Arch Ritual to Imprison Thessi Gryphons Successful
The Arch in Barrowdowns which led to the cave where the ancient Thessi gryphons are imprisoned (see last issue) has been resealed, thus holding these evil enemies within, but not without loss of life and many tears. Ashbury’s chances of keeping the Arch closed seemed slim, until a series of events occurred over a few days in early October.
The Assembling of the Pieces
The first problem involved putting the pieces of the Arch back together. The pieces had been sold to various people by ex-Professor Jozlin who used the money to fund his research.
It turned out that Professor Xavier, also of the Bardic College, had been spending the past few years attempting to acquire all the pieces, as well as the stone needed to fit within the Arch. He had purchased the stone for a hefty sum from a dwarven merchant, and had found one of the pieces in a cave almost a year ago.
He discovered that one piece had been sold to a collector named Bertram. Last summer, he approached Bertram with the intention of purchasing the piece. Bertram gave his price: the recovery of a barbarian artifact called the Pyramid of Power. Xavier and members of the Black Unicorns were able to retrieve the Pyramid, only to have it stolen from them by a rival, a collector who calls himself “Victor Von Doom.”
Xavier spent the next few months trying to discover the real identity of this fellow, and finally, with some help from his fellow Professors at the College, realized that the pseudonym was an anagram for another scholar.
He assembled a group consisting of Sir Daniel, Squire Azura, Selina Vardik, and Scribe Maximillion and they went to Victor’s home. Selina and Azura attempted to gain access into his home by asking for information about mystic wood elf, biata and barbarian history while the rest lay in hiding. Victor suggested that the two should sign up for classes when Azura asked for private tutorship. Victor invited them inside.
Selina politely asked if he could keep the ward lowered since, as a biata, she was not comfortable with the magic. He reluctantly agreed. At this time, Xavier and the others rushed in and gassed him. The party searched the home and found the artifact that Xavier needed, and Victor was revived. Azura left money for his troubles and Xavier and Victor shook hands, looking towards their next meeting. (Apparently the two rivals have some long running “game” in which they compete for artifacts.)
Later that same day, Bertram showed up at Blythedale Manor in Ashbury city and, unknowing of Xavier’s possession of the Pyramid, presented Xavier with the piece of the Arch he had. “I am a loyal citizen to His Grace,” stated Bertram. “When I read how the piece was needed to fight our enemies, I knew my duty was to turn it over.” He was pleasantly surprised when Xavier gave him the Pyramid.
There were still two more pieces to discover. Rumor had it that the archeologist and philanthropist Susan Stormholm had a piece, but she had not been seen in months since she was attempting to help Trellheim citizens escape from the Dur Namarie. Baron Jonathan, who had once been rumored to have been wooing Susan, led a team of adventurers including Calis, Gilwing, BrightHawk, Robert Oakwood, and Shya Corak into a local area where it was rumored she had been seen. After a long battle against some undead in the area, they were able to rescue Susan who gave them the piece in thanks.
There was one more piece to discover, and the recovery of it came about by pure luck. A Thessi agent had been captured in Ashbury and under questioning admitted the location of a secret hideout just outside of the main city. The adventurers in town gathered and headed to this place, where a major battle took place with the inhabitants within. Leading the Thessi was a Captain of the Blythedale army who was in reality working for the enemy. She taunted them but was eventually captured, and in the building was the final piece needed.
The Aging of the Gryphons
In order to perform the Arch sealing ritual, four golden gryphons were required. However, only one adult was known to exist in the area—a woman known as Rose. However, three golden gryphon children were known to exist: Rose’s son; Rowan, the daughter of Selina Vardik and the gryphon Tiercel; and an orphan child saved from Thessi assassins last year.
Selina Vardik however was nowhere to be found. It turned out that she had been captured by the Thessi and had been questioned as to the whereabouts of her child. She heroically refused to assist them, and managed to eventually escape.
Upon heading into town, she told Baron Jonathan and Sir Daniel of the situation, and they assembled a group to head back to the home where she had been imprisoned. Upon arriving there, they fought some of the Thessi and were able to rescue a biata farmer who was most grateful for his release.
Selina told those gathered that she would allow her child to assist in the Arch ritual.
However, how could the ritual be performed by three children, most of whom were still learning to speak?
It was decided to meet with the Lady of the Mists to ask for assistance. The Lady does not always make herself available and does not always help, but it was worth a try.
Selina gathered her two children (one of which was the golden gryphon), Rose took her child and the child taken from Thessi, and they gathered with them Sir Daniel, Squire Azura, and Shya.
The Lady of the Mist directed them to a house where they met Death. Behind him was a fountain. Selina and Rose explained the need to age the gryphons and why. Death explained that the fountain could do that. Selina then asked if her nongryphon son Thorn could be aged as well since he was the twin of Rowan. Death agreed.
He took all the children and placed them in the fountain. Rose’s son and the orphan came out as adults, but Rowan and Thorn did not return. Death explained that they did not wish to come out. Selina pleaded with her children to come out, the tears streaming down her face. Finally, Rowan emerged but not Thorn. Selina and Rowan tried to coerce him to come out but he would not, and he died. There was not a dry eye present with the exception of Death.
The Lady of the Mist brought them back to Ashbury. This would be but the first tragedy for Selina and her children.
The Placing of the Prophecy
1,000 years ago, a group of biata had appeared just after the first Arch ritual and had presented a prophecy to the biata leaders of the time. These prophets told the leaders to give the prophecy to the leader of the lands 1,000 years hence, stating that this nonbiata leader would truly be the one who unites the biata with the other races. Elders Zandar and Xapano did just that last spring when they presented the prophecy to His Grace.
But who were these prophets who appeared at this time, never to be seen again?
A day before the second Arch ritual, two Time Elementals appeared in Ashbury and gathered the local biata adventurers, including Ashen Merik who held the prophecy, Shya, Selina, and Storm. They said that they needed to prevent a time paradox.
“You are aware of the biata prophet who placed this prophecy in the hands of the leaders?” asked the elementals.
“Yes,” replied Ashen.
“Are you aware who this prophet was?”
“No.”
“It is you.”
“Me?” exclaimed Ashen, eyes wide.
The Time Elementals then took the biata back in time, where they observed the last battles taking place before the Arch. They then presented the Prophecy to the biata gathered there, including Rose and Zandar.
While back in time, they noticed a figure on a hill watching but did not wish to confront the figure for fear of upsetting the timeline.
The Treachery of the Thessi
The Thessi, who had spies all over Ashbury, were aware of Ashbury’s situation and knew that it would not be long before they would attempt to redo the Arch ritual. They captured and enslaved a number of Ashbans and led numerous small attacks to weaken morale and gain new “converts.” (One such enslaved person was Xavier, who found himself in this situation for the second time.)
At one point, during a Ducal feast, some gypsies threw Instant Death gasses at His Grace. Of course, they did not escape, but it was learned that they were Thessi agents.
One of the local inns had a pleasant surprise one morning when a local baker delivered fresh cupcakes and coffee for breakfast. Unknowing adventurers readily enjoyed the delights, only to find themselves Enslaved to attack any they see outside.
The biata farmer who had been freed from the jail presented the Barony of Blythedale with a cake to thank them for his rescue. He stayed and spoke of the upcoming battle with the Thessi as they all enjoyed the cake, (which was not laced with Enslavements). Xavier was then brought in by Sir Daniel who had somehow discovered that Xavier was Enslaved.
As they searched for an antidote, the farmer said his goodbyes and left. Xavier was cured and questioned.
“Who enslaved you?” he was asked.
“The Emperor of Thessi,” he replied.
“You saw the Emperor?” they exclaimed. “What does he look like?”
“He looks exactly like the farmer who just left.”
“What?!” They all ran outside but the wily Emperor had managed to elude them.
The Binding of the Pieces
There was still the problem of how to bind the pieces back together once all were obtained. Originally, this was done by the stone melding race of Ardynnites, but none came with Ashbury as Ashbury entered Fortannis.
However, word had come down of a dwarven artifact called the Ring of Palin. Supposedly this ring, when worn by a dwarf, would allow the dwarf to mold stone.
Gilwing grabbed Luigie, Calis, Drakonis, Fayde and Alex and went to a dwarven graveyard where they fought many trolls who were defacing the area. The former holder of the ring was freed from his statue-like imprisonment and given a proper dwarven burial, and Gilwing wore the ring.
The Calming of the Kiergani
While Ashbury forces prepared themselves to fight a battle in the physical world, two kiergani elves — BrightHawk and Nihilius — prepared to fight a battle in the spiritual world. The original ritual to close the Arch a thousand years ago used many races fighting against the evil gryphons, and among the bravest were the kiergani. Unfortunately, some of the kiergani spirits had become trapped within the Arch as well, and over the years had turned violent and harmful. The magics of the Arch had allowed them to “escape” and attack those nearby, yet none could harm them in return.
In order to prevent these spirits from disrupting the ritual, a Spirit Flight was planned. A Spirit Flight is a kiergani ritual where the spirit travels to the spiritual plane. It was thought that once there, they would be able to distract and battle the restless kiergani spirits and prevent the ritual from being disrupted.
As required by the ritual, BrightHawk and Nihilius killed themselves, and began the spirit flight. They were safely within a Circle of Power cast by the biata elder Zandar. They found the kiergani who had been trapped within the Arch, and proceeded to fight them so that their spirits may rest. BrightHawk later stated that they were able to calm some of them by talking to them, but most had to be killed in combat. Some of the kiergani spirits even aided the townsfolk by healing them after they had been cut down by their Thessi enemies.
Finally successful in their mission, BrightHawk and Nihilius’ spirits returned to their bodies, where Zandar Lifed them.
One of the Kiergani who was imprisoned within the boundary of the Arch later resurrected in the healers guild. BrightHawk talked with him and discovered he was from the now disbanded Crow tribe. The elf was shocked to discover that his tribe no longer exists.
The Final Battle
As soon as the gryphon children were aged, it was decided to perform the ritual in order to hopefully take the Thessi by surprise. Duke Aramis gathered those adventurers willing to assist and, through use of the Vessel of Vapors, called upon the Lady of the Mists for quick transport to Bloodstone.
Upon entering the cave where the Arch was located, the Ashbans found no resistance. However, a few seconds later, large wings could be heard to be flapping outside and two gryphons appeared, along with numerous warriors of all races.
The battle lasted almost an hour as the golden gryphons first attempted to reach the Arch without being attacked, and then attempted to perform the ritual without interruption.
Gilwing spent some time repairing the Arch but had distractions of his own, primarily from Thessi attempting to stop him with powerful spells, but also from his own people who were enslaved. Nigel the gypsy, one of the enslaved, managed to knock the poor dwarf to unconsciousness, disrupting his work. Nigel then went after other Ashbans, including the Duke, who had him Imprisoned where he bled out. (Later, after resurrecting, His Grace apologized and compensated the gypsy 10 gold for his lost items.)
The battle was very deadly and even His Grace was on the ground bleeding to death at one point. The two gryphons were quite powerful and were well supported by casters who kept them healed and protected. There seemed to be no end to the amount of Thessi who kept pouring in to do battle.
Finally, the ritual was complete, and the remaining Thessi retreated, seeing that they could not accomplish anything. However, the completion of the ritual had an unusual effect: the four golden gryphons were magically pulled into the Arch, their spirits intertwining with the magics of the Arch. Both of Selina’s children were now gone.
The Death of the Biata
The biata who remained all fell dead from the backlash of the ritual, and no Life spell could cure them. They were brought back to Ashbury where they remained in the Healer’s Guild. All attempts to revive them were unsuccessful, yet their bodies did not dissipate after five minutes.
Elder Zandar was brought in, and he attempted to cure the biata in some way but also could not figure out what to do. (It is surmised that he was not affected because he was in a Circle of Power with the kiergani bodies at the time of the completion of the ritual.)
Selina was brought to the Mage’s Guild and Identified, but no rituals were present upon her. His Grace stood by, wishing he could assist, as well as other concerned citizens who were aware of the bravery of the fallen.
Eventually, Zandar called forth his Staff of Power, and something unusual happened: It pulled itself towards the Duke. Zandar stared at His Grace for a second, showing little emotion outwardly, and then asked Duke Aramis to try to cure the biata.
Duke Aramis resisted, claiming he had no knowledge of healing, but Zandar insisted, and the Duke reached over and touched Shya. She immediately opened her eyes and looked around in wonder.
His Grace was able to cure Storm and Shya but Selina was unreachable. She had apparently suffered her final death. Selina was given a funeral due a true hero, as she sacrificed both her children and ultimately herself in an effort to fight against the Thessi.
And the biata are now looking at His Grace with new eyes: Apparently his bonding with the land has also given him a bond with the biata stones, and as such is, in the eyes of many biata scholars, obviously the true leader of the biata as so prophesized. What future this may hold between the Duke and this race is yet to be seen.
It began with lethal groups of so-called “Trick or Treaters” who were the escaped psychotic, cannibalistic mental patients from the asylums of Ashbury. Each Halloween, some unknown force inspires them to furious rioting and they escape in large droves, donning eerie masks and going door to door seeking candy. If refused, they seek to devour those who deny them treats.
Then came a floating ouija board that spelled out cryptic warnings about Muckhead, the Lord of Horror and the new king of Halloween and ruler of the Abysmal Gorge after the fall of Jack O’Lantern last year. The grim adventurer Solemn Judgement was seen in the Dragon’s Flagon attempting to discern the messages of the ouija board.
Apparently, a long dead professional ghost hunter possessed the ouija board. Because of the weird properties of All Hallow’s Eve, she was able to communicate to the mortal world through the board. The ouija board spoke of an item constructed by Jack O’Lantern that was the deadly weakness of King Muckhead. It was called the Swabbing Bone and the possessor would find himself or herself protected from all attacks made by Muckhead and his minions. The ouija board left then with a warning that King Muckhead was coming.
Soon after, outside, eerie flames lit the night and the ghostly form of King Muckhead and his undead forces rifted into Ashbury. With an announcement that the Ghostly New Year had begun, King Muckhead shouted, “Let the revels begin!” and a terrible battle with the townsfolk ensued.
Muckhead and his minions chased a large group of townsfolk into the manor house of the Ash Forest Barony, where they sought refuge in a circle of power within. The undead were unable to harm the townsfolk. However, Squire Derek Dreamweaver, in the rush to safety within the circle of power, had left a Kiergani artifact known as the Dire Bow unattended. Spying the glowing, magical bow, King Muckhead snatched it up and took it with him.
Eventually, the town rallied and struck back at the invading undead and a second fierce battled ensued. King Muckhead and his ghostly ally, Moan ‘N’ Groan rifted away. Without such leadership, the undead forces that remained behind fell to the adventurers of Ashbury.
All during the time of Halloween, townsfolk could see rippling disturbances in the air and sometimes these disturbances would actually follow folk around! Then undead would rift in from the very spot of the rippling disturbances!
Jack O’Lantern, the former high king of Halloween, and his ally Yech, the Sickness Lord, made an appearance causing murder and mayhem in the streets of Ashbury. With them was a gigantic Candy Apple construct with razor sharp blades protruding from it. The Ghost known as Queen Nachtface, the Matriarch of the Dark, arrived in Ashbury and spoke with adventurers.
Apparently, Queen Nachtface sought the defeat of King Muckhead and instructed the townsfolk that, if they sought to gain the Swabbing Bone, they must gather six special troll bones that were once part of a magical carriage of bones. These bones were scattered somewhere in the capitol city. Adventurers set out to find the bones.
By Sunday, adventurers had recovered the six bones that Queen Nachtface had requested. The bones were given to the ghostly Queen and a colossal carriage made of bones was magically formed.
Nachtface urged them all to hurry, for Muckhead had learned of the location of the Swabbing Bone. The huge carriage conducted the adventurers to a towering magical building whose eaves and roof were made in the semblance of wings. Inside, they found a vast hall. At the far end lay the Swabbing Bone in a circle of white light. As the adventurers started toward the circle of light, Muckhead and his minions rifted inside the hall, took position between the townsfolk and the circle and a great battle ensued.
Suddenly, Solemn Judgement bravely charged through the center ranks of the undead, avoiding a barrage of spells and leapt into the circle of light. He found that the undead could not enter the light. Solemn grabbed the Swabbing Bone and tossed it to Guildmistress Natasha and Squire Rune. They then used the Swabbing Bone’s protection to strike at Muckhead. Muckhead, realizing that he was powerless against them, rifted away and the battle ended.
Just as the adventurers began to catch their breath, the ghostly rulers from the Abysmal Gorge rifted in the hall, in spirit form: High King Muckhead, Queen Nachtface, King Moan ‘N’ Groan and King Yech. They called to the Ashbans that the Ghostly New Year’s Revels were over and that they may choose a new High Ruler of Halloween for next year. Jack O’Lantern did not arrive, for it was said that he would not stand along side his hated rival, Muckhead.
Queen Nachtface explained that if they chose Muckhead, Halloween would be as deadly and terrible as it was this year. If Yech was chosen, Halloween would be visited with horrible plagues. If Jack O’ Lantern was High King again, Halloween would go back to its zany but dangerous nature. Moan ‘N’ Groan would bring awful, chilling sounds and music such as dirges, laments and funereal marches. Queen Nachtface would bring solid darkness.
Just then Muckhead made an announcement. He produced the Kiergani artifact, the Dire Bow and offered to give it back if the Ashbans would choose him and trade the Swabbing Bone for the magic bow. After long moments of discussions and debates, Baron Agnar, a Kiergani himself, stood defiantly and told the ghostly rulers that Ashbury would have no part in the politics of the Abysmal Gorge. The townsfolk cheered this decision and so the ghostly rulers of the Abysmal Gorge rifted away.
What sort of ghastly form Halloween shall take next year is uncertain. But it will not be good.
Members of the Court of the Ash Forest Guilty of Murder
Ashbury citizens were stunned when members of the court of the Ash Forest were found guilty of murder. Squire Calis, Gilwing, Draconios and Luigie were found guilty of murdering Robert Oakwood, resulting in the victim’s permanent death.
According to reliable sources, members of the Ashbury Healer’s Guild were aware of Mr. Oakwood’s permanent death when he failed to successfully resurrect at the Guild circle. This caused the Healer’s Guild members to desperately search for his body through the immediate surroundings of Ashbury, a search which ended at the manor house of the Ash Forest. There, Guild healers reportedly discovered Oakwood’s permanently dead body.
This discovery prompted the nobles of Ashbury to swiftly handle the matter. In short order the nobles of Ashbury, including Baron Jonathan Dragonhart, Sir Daniel Star-Grimsby and Sir Zachary Blane, investigated the Ash Forest manor house and detained the defendants, who were at the time within the residence. However, after fruitlessly inspecting the manor house, they discovered no body nor evidence of Robert Oakwood’s presence.
Despite the lack of evidence, the nobles on the scene detained the defendants until the matter was handled in trial, a course of action which at the time was thought by eyewitnesses to be questionable at best.
The next day, the present members of the Ducal Court, including Ducal Magistrate Sir Eros Clearbrook, Paladin Sir Rorn Skyhammer, and our esteemed Duke, Sir Aramis Llyrr, convened to hold the trial. With the Sheriff of Ashbury, Sir Larson Kirkby, absent on official business, Sir Eros requested Sir Zachary Blane to conduct the trial. The elven knight seemed hesitant at first, but quickly filled in the role of prosecutor, assisted in part by Sir Daniel Star Grimbsy and Professor Xavier Kimball.
The defendants, in turn, had hired a solicitor to act on their behalf, a biata gentleman by the name of Vroon Merik. Both prosecutor and defendant called several witnesses to the stand, including Guildmistress Natasha Roskaya and Clement Chip of the Healer’s Guild, Shya Corak, a constant companion of Oakwood’s, and several witnesses who had evidence useful to the case.
Through their testimony, an web of deceit and a shady cover-up surfaced. Several times the defendants gave testimony which conflicted with eyewitness accounts of the events of that evening. Furthermore, in one instance one of the defendants flat out lied on the stand. The defendant’s testimony even incriminated their own solicitor in their machinations, which did nothing to help strengthen their case.
In the end, despite Solicitor Vroon’s best efforts and the defendants’ pleas of innocence, enough evidence was brought up by Sir Zachary that incriminated the defendants in the murder of Robert Oakwood. The testimony of reliable witnesses such as Guildmistress Natasha obviously weighed heavily in the decision making.
Not surprisingly, Sir Eros pronounced the defendants guilty of murder and sentenced each of the defendants to one death. Furthermore, since Luigie had been previously incriminated in a conspiracy to murder Oakwood, Sir Eros sentenced him to an extra death.
Duke Aramis himself berated the defendants, all of whom were effectively baronial envoys, for their unchivalrous behavior during the trial. The Duke then stripped Calis of his title as Squire and personally carried out the sentencing on each of the four defendants.
In Ashbury, justice is swift and relentless. Several citizens have protested what they consider a “guilty until proven innocent” policy that seems to have surfaced within the legal court of Ashbury. In response to this opinion, Sir Eros , now referred to by some as Sir “Hang ‘Em High” Eros, was overheard as saying: “Criminals must learn that it is no longer easy to get away with crime in Ashbury. We no longer have the “Truth” spell or the Contact Earth ritual to prove without a reasonable doubt the guilt or innocence of a person. All we can do is look at the evidence and decide as nobles for ourselves.”
Court observers and legal scholars note that technically, the sentencing was minimal. The defendants were guilty not only of murder, which carries with it a mandatory death sentence, but also conspiracy, theft, and at least on the part of one of the defendants, perjury. Sir Eros would have been completely within the law in giving a much harsher sentence to all involved.
Over a year ago a group of cultists calling themselves The Order of the Rising Sun came to Ashbury claming to seek harmony with the Elementals. It turned out that their claims were simply a guise in order for them to complete the summoning of a powerful minion of Chaos known as Argus. At the time of his summoning, Argus was unopposed by the rather small population of adventurers there to witness it. It took place at a time when there were no noble or commoner teams there to organize the citizenry and the Elemental simply walked out of the city. Only Healers Guildmistress Natasha voiced her opposition to letting the being simply walk away.
A few short months ago, the Order returned to Ashbury. This time around they have claimed that they are now fighting a crusade against the tyranny of the Elementals. Despite the history of this group, several citizens have been freely interacting with them.
Their leader, a man named Justin, has also returned. He is now claiming that freeing Argus was a mistake and that he has vowed to right this wrong by seeking the way to recapture it. Although Justin appears and claims to be a human, he wears the symbol of chaos on his face and possesses the power to rift himself and others across the planes. Despite his attempts to show his remorse for freeing Argus, Justin has still certainly not earned the trust of much of the citizens of Ashbury. Guildmistress Natasha has been seen publicly arguing with the cult leader, cursing him for his past deeds, even after he returned Robert Oakwood and Xavier Kimbal from permanent death by retrieving them from the Graveyards as a show of good faith. (Oakwood’s return was unfortunately cut short by his murder soon thereafter.)
The return of the Order also marked the return of Argus to Ashbury. In the few days proceeding appearance of the chaos being, several citizens, including Faelyn of the Black Unicorns, were overcome with a strange disease causing them to act much like a zombie. This disease is caused by what has been called a ‘chaos slime’ and is apparently a taint of pure chaos. It was these Chaos Slimes that the Order of the Rising Sun used to create the body for Argus during his summoning.
In the afternoon of Sunday October 11, a large cloud of smoke marked the arrival of a strange creature. The black-skinned individual had the shape of a large keyhole in his face. A small gathering of individuals from the three noble courts and several adventurers gathered around the being. Despite the mockery he endured from a couple of the bystanders, he claimed to be hunting Argus, for this being was “the prison” from which Argus escaped.
Before he could continue to explain, a semi-solid black figure with a large chaos symbol for a face rifted onto the hillside behind the newcomer. The figure later identified himself as Argus. The two beings stood about verbally taunting the other. It appears that the Order was unable to bring Argus’ body out of the prison and thus the chaos being was trying to bargain for it back. The prison claimed that Argus would be captured again, to which the chaos being simply laughed and pointed to the gathered townspeople. He claimed that the “vote” (whatever that is) would never be called, and that he would take back his body and his plane.
By this point the warriors of Ashbury had surrounded the chaos being and, with several powerful swings from Sighard, they began to attack Argus, who simply called for his minions. A horde of undead and chaos elementals ran over the hill chasing back the Ashbans while he stood laughing at them.
A great battle ensued, with the tide turning back and forth several times. The gathered warriors finally turned the tide back in their favor by rallying around the prison, who appeared unaffected by any of the attacks brought against him. Finally the Chaos lord declared that he was bored and rifted away, apparently pursued by the living prison.
It is unclear at this point exactly why Argus is back in Ashbury or what he or this prison wants of the citizens.
Since Halloween last year, graves around Ashbury had been violated and soon after the bodies of recently buried loved-ones returned animated in the horrible forms of flesh golems. These monstrosities ran amok in waves of terror and murder. But the adventurers of Ashbury were able to piece together clues and eye witness accounts that all pointed to a very strange pair, an ambitious and mad scientist named Doctor Formalda and his servant, a creepy hunchback named Protuberance.
The story goes that Dr. Formalda sent Protuberance out to bring back body parts for his experiment to cure death. The mad doctor’s experiments always went awry and many escaped to trouble the surrounding areas, causing Formalda and Protuberance to move often.
On October 31, Protuberance came into town seeking news of recent burials. While talking with townsfolk and nobles, Protuberance got into an altercation with a very emotional and upset man who called Protuberance “the monster who dug up my Love.” Protuberance drove his sword deep into the agitated fellow and was killed by the nobles. After healing and interviewing the upset man, the nobles learned of Doctor Formalda’s whereabouts — a large farm on the edge of Ashbury proper, at the start of the capital’s farming district.
Leading the town to the farm, the nobles found a large compound where the ground appeared to be littered with permanently dead bodies. At the far end of the compound, Dr. Formalda appeared on the porch of his warded balcony and shouted for the Ashbans to depart immediately. When the adventurers failed to do so, Dr. Formalda called out commands and the bodies on the field rose up as flesh golems.
A great battle shook the farm as the golems proved to be plentiful and tough. Some adventurers even recognized the edad bodies of loved ones who had been dug up and reanimated.
In the course of the battle, Dr. Formalda hid behind his ward and taunted the Ashbans, throwing spells and then jumping back behind his protection.
“We will get you, even if we have to wait five days!” said Baron Agnar. Dr. Formalda just laughed until Sir Rorn threw a Dispel Magic, downing the “ward” (which turned out to be only a wizard lock) and causing the mad doctor to run in fear.
The Doctor was captured and soon after, the last of the flesh golems were destroyed. He was taken into custody by the court of Nordenn who placed him under strong protective custody until such time that an Obliteration scroll becomes available, as no one wants to have the doctor resurrect and continue his experiments.
Actions in Blythedale: Celebrations and Attacks
The Court of Blythedale has been very busy in the last month or so, starting when His Grace, after a meeting with his nobles, named Jonathan Dragonhart as the new Baron. The news visibly disappointed Sir Daniel, but being a true noble, he accepted the appointment and has been a loyal subject of the new Baron.
Both men traveled to Hopewell soon after the biata Arch was closed. As they arrived, they discovered the city walls closed with town guards, weapons raised, in front. The biata elder Zandar stood in front of the gate. He allowed the two nobles to dimount, and as the gates opened, Baron Jonathan and Sir Daniel looked at each other, ready to attack if need be.
Instead, inside they discovered a celebration like no other. As they entered the town, a cheer went up as the locals bowed and threw petals. As Zandar led them towards the Healers Guild, the number of elves and biata increased, and there before the Guild was a sumpteous feast. Elder Xapano made a speech thanking the barony for working so hard to help keep the Arch closed when it seemed that few others cared, even ex-Baron Kelial. The celebration lasted until the wee hours.
However, with the month, word reached the Baronial Court that the new leadership of Blythedale will not be free from problems. Reports have flooded Baron Jonathan’s and Sir Daniel’s desks and news is everywhere that a new uprising of the Sons of the Dragons have begun again in Dragonhart.
The crazed organization has been split into rival factions:
The Sons of Alaric, the remnants of the original terrorist group who believe that Alaric Dragonhart is the one spoken of in the Dragonheart Prophecy;
The Sons of Llyrr, a group of psychotic supporters of Duke Aramis who believe that he is the prophesized one since he called upon the powers of Amora Fortannis;
The Sons of Jonathan, the new Baron’s own psychotic supporters who now believe that Jonathan is the one in the prophecy and that he is the chosen one who shall become Duke.
More undead than previously seen are attacking in formation against rival factions of the Sons of the Dragon and baronial troops. A number of deaths have occurred and a few locals have been raised to fight in the army. Worst of all, a powerful undead figure has stepped forward, with Alaric Dragonhart beside him!
This undead is apparently leading The Sons of Alaric with the support of Alaric himself! The undead abomination was overhead making this announcement:
“Let it be known to all that, after centuries of watching in the shadows. . .after seeing the return of my own Icenia. . .that I now come forth to place the true Dragon Heart upon the Ducal Throne — Alaric Dragonhart! This Aramis Llyrr is an agent of Chaos and in league with the treacherous Defour family! Let them all know that I, Sigismondo Crestivus, have come out of the shadows to set things right!”
This Sigismondo Crestivus proved to be very powerful. Half of the Blythdale troops guarding the Dragonhart estate have either been captured or have resurrected in the surrounding estates. Many citizens have managed to escape and are pouring into the Barony of Nordenn and in the surrouding Blythdale estates, but many were unable to escape and are trapped within Dragonhart.
His Grace, upon receiving this news, released the following notice:
Citizens of Ashbury:
Once again, a critical situation has developed in the estate of Dragonhart, Blythedale. The Sons of the Dragon are in full revolt and civil conflict rages in the streets. But beneath this bloody exterior lies a blacker, deeper evil.
I call upon all heroes to assemble in Dragonhart, Blythedale by early December to assist the Court of Blythedale in restoring law and order. There are innocents within the estate who are trapped by the conflict and are in dire need of our strength. They look to the darkening skies with hope dying in their eyes and give a silent plea for heroes. Will you answer the call?
Yours in Truth, in Honor,
Duke Aramis Llyrr
His Grace plans on being at the estate on December 10th and is hopeful that the brave adventurers and nobles of Ashbury will be able to join with him in hopefully ridding the Duchy of these mad people and their necromantic ways once and for all.
Mithrauho Taunts Ashbans; Kills Rune
It would seem that the attacks of the Dur Namarie elves and their ogres have lessened upon Ashbury. Scouts report that there has been fierce fighting between the elven forces and undead in Capulus and the surrounding areas of Trellheim. It also seems that they Dur Namarie have taken over several estates in Trellheim and are constructing a keep there as well. What this bodes for the Duchy is unknown, but the fact that two of our enemies are fighting each other can only be beneficial.
There have been solitary sightings of what are suspected to be bone golem and obsidian golem assassins sent by the Dur Namarie. One was even seen in the capital in early October. The tree that they have enchanted somehow continues to plague Ashbury, and its area of influence seems to continue to grow, though at a much slower rate than when it first became enchanted. None of the tree creatures have issued forth since the first occurrence.
Probably the most disturbing event involving these “vampire elves” was at Blythedale’s First Annual Masquerade Party. A jester, clad in black and white and wearing a mask that completely covered his face, arrived and introduced himself as Joe Louie, Jester from Haylem. He spent the better portion of an hour telling jokes to one and all, even managing to make our good Duke Aramis laugh quite hardily. But when the party began to slow down, the jester walked up to the Ducal table and proceeded to go gaseous. Some of the more tipsy citizens at the table giggled, and the gaseous form proceeded to drift out.
Squire Rune of Nordenn proceeded to follow it out, yelling and taunting at the cloud and calling it Mithrauko. The cloud moved somewhat away and solidified and spoke with the town for a while. The jester’s mask and hat was finally removed and it was indeed Mithrauko, the elf who seems to be in charge of leading the Dur Namarie forces.
Rune continued to taunt and yell at the elf, calling him a coward and incompetent. Mithrauko proceeded to challenge Rune to one on one combat, but Rune bravely refused. When asked why he hadn’t taken over Ashbury yet, Mithrauko simply answered, “Because I’m currently busy destroying Morganna in Trellheim”. Rune continued to yell at the elf, who just sat quietly. Baron Olin then gave the word to attack the elf, but the elf went gaseous and floated out of town.
Early the next morning, members of the Court of Nordenn awoke to the sound of their ward going down. Mithrauko walked into their cabin, sleeping and imprisoning several people. Rune attempted to make a dash for safety, but Mithrauko imprisoned him with some sort of innate ability. He then killing blowed Rune and took Rune’s lifeless form gaseous with him. The cloud remained there for five minutes and then began to drift off, but soon solidified, Rune’s clothes falling to the ground and Mithrauko walking out of town. Squire Scarn bravely chased after him with only a dagger and began to hit him mightily from behind, but Mithrauko imprisoned him as well and then left town with the words “I suggest you do not mock me in the future.” Rune resurrected.
Turmoil in the Criminal Underworld
There is an apparent upheaval in the crime world.
Word on the streets of the estates of Dockside and Port Fredrick is that merchants, thugs and all other sorts of shady characters are being seized and interrogated. All those taken and questioned by the mysterious underworld are left with their memories wiped clean.
Rumor is that a major leak of information. . .perhaps the very name of the organization that has taken over the criminal underworld has finally been learned. . .and they want to find out who let that information slip.
Permanently dead bodies are turning up in Dockside and in Port Fredrick and local healers’ guilds are filling with resurrecting spirits of those involved in “questionable practices”.
Undead Thief's Contest Challenges Ashbans
An undead being named Darius has been appearing around town, challenging those with thieving skills to a contest. He has been destroyed more than once by those who will never allow an undead to go unattacked, but he merely reforms back at his home and comes right back, saying that it is impossible to destroy him.
Apparently, Darius, who calls himself “The Greatest Thief in Ashbury,” was cursed to be some sort of strange undead after he stole from a gypsy tribe, and the only way he can remove the curse is to find someone who is a better thief than he. He has set up his home full of traps and has items hidden within, and any thief who can find all of the hidden items within 90 minutes will remove his curse.
Of course, many of the items are hidden in trapped boxes which, if set off, will destroy the items.
Darius has also placed treasure within his domain, probably stolen goods from the people he has taken down as an undead.
So far, the person who has done the best in his challenge is Zim the gypsy with the assistance of his hobling apprentice Chamice Moussue. Some have rumored that Zim specifically tried not to win so as not to remove the curse placed by a fellow gypsy. Others who are known to have competed include Professor Xavier Kimball.
Bandit Luvo Piper Challenges the AMC
Bandit Luvo Piper Challenges the AMC
Luvo Piper and the Quickhand Bandits struck again, robbing a bazaar recently acquired by the controversial Ashbury Merchants Conglomerate. The infamous hobling bandit, also known as the “Gentleman Highwayman,” generously donated half of the loot to the Healers Guild and then, in a bold public display, called for the citizens of Ashbury to gather. Taking the remaining coins stolen from the AMC bazaar in his cupped hands he said, “People of Ashbury! Let everyone know that this is Luvo Piper’s stance on the AMC!”
With that, the Gentleman Highwayman threw the coins into the air for the townsfolk to gather. Luvo Piper and his band then fled the scene in a merry mood.
Even the nobles gathered around and allowed him to leave. This has caused quite a bit of unrest among many commoner merchants, even those not aligned with the AMC.
One local merchant who wished to remain anonymous said “The adventurers and nobles of Ashbury have been bribed by the charming hobling. They care more for the lining of their own pockets than for the good of the commoners and merchants who loyally pay their taxes and keep the nobles warm and rich. Luvo was there and everyone just let him walk away, even after all of his robberies! I lost hundreds of gold to this thief and no one cares!”
Obviously, His Grace and the nobles of Ashbury have to do something to keep their merchants happy or they may soon find themselves without the supplies they need!
The Cosmic Forces of Fortannis
Notes from the Lectures of the Most Learned Sage Prof. Ignatius Flairtongue, Recorded by one Solemn Judgement, a student
In my last set of notes, I attempted to briefly compend the notes of Professor Flairtongue, in his brilliant lectures on the new astrology of our land. That first series of notes concerned the zodiacal constellations which govern the months of the calendar and which lend their influence to the fortunes of individuals born under their signs. So far, well and good, as this topic is discrete and can stand alone.
But the truth of the stars is seldom so easily separated. All things tend to confluence, and as I attempt to abstract Prof. Flairtongue’s further words, the reader must keep in mind that full understanding can only come with complete information, followed by study. This second set of notes may confuse at first, but I beg your kind indulgence — by the end of the third article the matter should be at least adequately laid before your eyes.
There are, in addition to the twelve zodiac constellations, a set of planetary bodies and non-equatorial star groupings which in total are referred to as the Astronomic Influences, or Cosmic Forces of Amora-Fortannis. They also exert an influence over events, much as do their zodiacal counterparts: in addition, each year (or group of twelve zodiac months) is named for one of these Astronomic Influences. This creates a set of twelve years, or Cycle, in calendrical calculation. The present year, numbered 598, is a year of the Spirit Circle: next year, 599 in our calendar, will be a year of the Scales, and so forth.
{n.b.: The reader may wish to refer to the first article, to compare mentions of the zodiacal creatures here.}
Sword in Crown is the earliest constellation seen near the northern pole in the year’s first month (Turtle), and remains visible throughout the winter. It speaks to rulership and governance, in keeping with the element of Ascendance and the results of Order just determined. Sword in Crown also indicates a new beginning, of a reign or dynasty or perhaps a new phase in the life of an individual.
Spirit Circle is a remarkably even ring of seven stars most visible in the month of the Dolphin. It is considered a good omen for the use of magic, and while it does have a strong association with Death, it can also presage any kind of drastic conversion, change or elevation in rank. Some believe that Dolphins are the result of the true, final resurrection of human spirits.
Scales are highest in the southern sky during the month of the Swan, and can be seen well into the spring. Associated with justice and final decisions, the Scales are often accompanied by some kind of Death, the element also seen at this time. The Swan is sometimes viewed as a harbinger of drastic change ahead.
The Arbalest, also known as the Archer, Bowman or Hunter, stalks in from the northern regions obliquely during the spring and can be seen at some point above the horizon well into the autumn months. Master of a powerful technique, the Arbalest is a mercenary, and his presence signals the advent of both Alliances and Chaos; his weapon is deadly through the Air. The Shadow-Twin is a sign as difficult to interpret as it is to recognize. For a brief period near the end of spring, a humanoid-shaped constellation dims near the horizon just enough to make visible another pattern of stars behind it in startlingly similar form.
The Shadow-Twin is seen during the peak of Air, signifying great movement, long distances, or even unexpected danger; it presages the month of the greatest Chaos. It can be seen as indicative of a doubling, or second generation of something in the lives of those it influences. The Shadow-Twin is hard to see, and may not be felt until much later (or perhaps too late).
The Moon is regarded as the most changeable of the planetary influences, and fittingly it is out of order with the other orbs in the latter half of the year, as a symbol of the Chaos ruling the last month of spring. The Moon can bestow great wisdom, but can also signal a reversal of the proper or expected order of things.
With the exception of the Moon, the planets which rule the latter half of the astronomical calendar are ranked according to their increasing distance from the Earth.
Mercury governs the start of summer, a time of quickening when the balance of seasons turns finally away from cold winter into the light of life. The speed of this planet’s course indicate its influence over the arrival of news and delivery of messages. Mercury signals quick wit, like the Ferret’s near-human understanding of language.
Venus is ascendant during the time of midsummer, thought by poets to be the season of love. The warmth of this orb also presages abundance and growth; just as hearts grow warm regardless of human convenience, the natural world moves ever toward increasing life whether the effects be good or ill. Love, and growth, are like Fire itself; in measure they are constructive, but in their unchecked state they are overwhelming. Summer campaigns in war may symbolize the tendency of individuals to fight over lovers.
The Sun is the truest symbol of Life itself, the causal element which governs the end of summer. This giant orb signals centeredness and control over lesser things; it is that around which all moves, yet itself is still. The largest and most intense heat produces Life, from the proper distance.
Mars has a reddish hue whose visibility at the start of autumn often presages blood; wars reach their final month here, and other plans come to fruition or frustration as well. Mars brings on merciless Convergence to activity of all kinds, without fail but also without compassion. Of all the zodiac creatures, none more resembles a true soldier in these qualities than the Fire Ant.
Jupiter is by far the largest of the planets, and holds sway as any earthly ruler under the Sun alone. This month signals the completion of useful activity, the pronouncement of law, and the satisfaction that may come with knowing the entire story — whether of a year, a cycle, or a lifetime. Many things, from leaves, to hibernating creatures, seek the Earth at the time when Jupiter is most easily visible. The lord of planets is a fit omen for a harvest, whether of a year’s crops or of a plan’s meaning.
Saturn is the planet governing finality, the end of things (though not necessarily of lives) and the sense made out of a cycle of activity. Order in this month derives from making a record, as many scribes do, of events committed in warmer, more active times. The fullest sense of a story can be seen best from its ending. This is a time for age to have sway, for wisdom to be heard, and for all who are young or inexperienced to hear the tales of their elders, the better to mull them over during the cold months of physical inactivity ahead.
{n.b.: The alert reader will have noticed references to the Elements and their symbology in the foregoing: that will be the subject of the third and final article in this lecture-notes series.}
College: The Harrington family ghosts were seen walking the Bardic College grounds. It is unknown why they have been seen in the area, Ironically the family coat of arms states “Death Before Dishonor.”
Entholm: Turmoil between the elves and the humans in this Ash Forest estate has decreased somewhat from earlier this year, but tensions are still high as many are leaving the area to move into more “pleasant” surroundings.
Floris: The local Magistrate, at the urging of local citizens, arrested members of the Order of the Rising Sun for the slaying a Life Elemental in mid October. The cultists were later released with no punishment after citing that there was no law in Ashbury against killing an elemental being.
Hopewell: The notion that His Grace Duke Aramis is attuned to the biata stones has, not surprisingly, caused some concern in more conservative corners of biata society. Many racial purists are blaming Zandar and Xapano for their willingness to cooperate and work with nonbiata, and have accused them of trying to “destroy the race.” Their positions on the biata councils are in jeopardy despite the fact that they were the two elder biata working hardest to save all biata by closing the Arch.
Oldtown: Several unexplained permanent deaths have occurred in this Ashbury City neighborhood over the past three weeks. Investigation has not turned up a link between the deceased, nor were there any signs of combat involved. Citizens of the estate have stated that things seem even more peaceful than normal, with a noted absence of undead, even this past All Hollow’s Eve.
Reeves: A huge Halloween Ball took place in this estate. Despite all of the problems in the area Regku family still sponsored their famous ball.
Shadowkeep: Strange spirit forms have been seen wandering the battlements of Shadowkeep. The Nordenn Military Institute has been abandoned by Baron Olin due to increased undead presence in the area.
Letters
Selina Vardik was an amazing person and has been there for so many of us when we needed her. Her child was one of the golden gryphons needed to perform the ritual to close the archway. She allowed her child to be aged and used for the ritual in order to save all our lives. Tragically, Selina lost her own life during this same ritual. I have never known anyone who was as caring and loyal and devoted as Selina. I am proud to have been able to call her my friend. I have lost a part of my life with her passing and Ashbury has lost a true heroine.
Selina, you will always be in our hearts.
Squire Azura
Hail Duke Aramis Llyrr!
I feel that you are doing a excellent job of upholding the law, but I feel that when you do your trials, which the sentence be to the death, that there be a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt — not “suspect someone(s)” or “assume” or “are not sure,” but most defiantly know that person(s) committed the crime(s).
I feel that the trial for the most part was fair until the verdict As Sir Zackery said, and I quote “We did not prove here today that these gentlemen committed murder. But they did do something.”
I am a man of honor and one of my word, especially if I swear on my beard. I feel dishonored, as if my word and my beard means absoletly nothing to the court. I know now that Luigie lied, but because he lied that most definitely does not mean that the others did. If a baron lies, does that mean that his barony is a bunch of liars as well? I think not, but then again you probably don’t care what a “lying and murdering” dwarf like myself thinks. Now I feel utterly disrespected.
I am also feeling disrespected in which when afterward of melding the four pieces of stone into the arch, I did not receive nothing, not one thank you, almost as if I was obligated to do it. I was asked to do it by Sir Daniel Star and risked my life among others who were protecting me.
Another thing I would like to bring up is that the Ash Forest and friends have been getting disrespected. One was at the attempt to retrieve the princess, and the second was at the Arch. Both times the Ash Forest were in the back and when we were guarding the sewer we were totally forgotten about. Then when someone needs something they remember us. I would like to say that, speaking for the Ash Forest, we do not like being ignored, disrespected, and only being use as “stick jockeys” and life spells. I am not asking for money or nothing to that affect, only respect and recognition. Maybe a thank you or something like that.
Even after all this I will still up hold my duty to my Baron and the Baroness and to His Grace, but please respect and recognize us. By all means I don’t mean to disrespect any one but my words today. If anyone has a problem with me or any of my fellow members, come up to us and say so. I don’t like hearing form other people that “we are not allowed to deal/or allowed to talk to you, so I did not talk to you.”
If anyone has a problem, come face to face and say so. If you or someone like your Baron has asked you not to talk or deal with us, do what ever you think is right, but I want to know why does everyone who was told not to assoicate with us go into our cabin behind and into my circle. Is it that you can’t assoicate with me, but only if it helps you out? No, I don’t think so! Either you do talk to us and be friends and act like gentlemen, or don’t talk to us, use our circle, waste our Life spells, ask for healing, or any of that crap. Forgive my language to all the ladies reading this, I am sorry.
I will be glad to help anyone. Right after my unfair sentencing, I still was helping fellow townspeople.
Now if you do not want my help then it is fine. But that means alot of people might die. (That statment was not a threat; I am just saying how benifical I am.)
Another thing I want to know is how come when Nordenn starts to get their ass kicked they retreat and the rest of the town follows, leaving Ash Forest there in the front?
Master Smith Gilwing
This is an open letter of thanks to the Ashbury Merchant Conglomerate and Baron Jonathan Dragonhart. For the past year I have been living here under the assumed name of Oliver Janus. I was forced to do this since I had been framed for murder and had a warrant for my arrest. With the help of the AMC we were able to track down the man who did this crime and turn him over to justice. If it wasn't for the AMC and their sense of civic duty I doubt my name would ever be cleared. I also wish to thank Baron Jonathan for hearing the case when others felt they did not have the time for justice.
Thank you all,
William Trafalgar
Citizens of Ashbury,
I should feel honored to have met many of you on my last visit to your quaint little nation. While I did not accomplish all of my goals there, I did see the sights and visited a monument of historical significance to my people.
I should feel honored, but I do not. I do commend you on your bravery. Storm Thrommel, you arrogant whelp, perhaps next time you can show some character and fight me in a legitimate manner, not with your pathetic backstabs. Was that a celestial weapon you possessed? Interesting. A Thrommel in name only.
And Duke Aramis. My respect for you is very much strengthened. Not only have you shown resilience in facing Engregavor the Dragon, but you also matched me in combat. You’ve earned this, Ashbury, but Thessi is an ancient Empire with a long memory. I swear we shall return.
I also hope you enjoyed the cake.
His Imperial Majesty, Emporer Bernd Thrommel of Thessi
Corner of Chivalry
It was with much disappointment that I witnessed the battle with the flesh golems on the Saturday afternoon of October 31, 598. Not only did our baronies not work strategically well as a military unit, but the dissension and antagonism between the baronies is inexcusable. Getting the baronies to work together and as a unit is more in His Grace’s area of expertise, but noble bearing and noble actions do fall under the duties of a Paladin. So does respecting the weak and being their defender. It was put on the top of the Code of Chivalry for a reason, you know.
The nobles of this land should be a shining example to the commoners. They should be people the commoners feel confident going to for help in times of need. Now, being the grumpy but true-speaking dwarf I am, I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes the new and untrained adventurers do reckless and sometimes outright stupid things. But this does not mean that they are to be treated poorly and ignored. It is our duty as nobles, and the duty of those that we choose to have travel with us, to aid these commoners. This aid includes healing and life spells, but also includes instructing and training these newcomers how to be more effective in battle and how to spend less time lying on the ground bleeding to death. If you don’t want to deal with these kind of problems, you shouldn’t be a noble and you shouldn’t travel with noble courts.
And the commoners must also learn to respect and obey your nobles in time of battle. If you are not prepared to follow necessary military orders, please stay safely home in your wards and circles. War is not a game to be taken lightly; it is serious business.
There was great discord and squabbling between our nobles, squires and those traveling with them at this battle. This lack of cooperation and unity will certainly bring about the destruction of our fair duchy. I’ve worked very hard throughout my life to make this duchy safe and comfortable for all. I served this duchy before many of you were even born. I will not see my hard work, and the hard work of all the nobles that have come before us, be made a mockery of. We must stand united, or we will all lie apart, dead upon the ground.
I love this duchy and the people of this duchy. This is why I once again took up a noble tabard after being retired for thirty years. This duchy is in its greatest time of need in its history, and our enemies rub their hands in glee every time they see dissent among us. We must put aside our differences and dislikes for each other and realize that we all fight for the same cause.
May Ashbury stand strong and fair,
Sir Rorn Skyhammer
Healer's Guild Report
This month has unfortunately been a sorrowful one for the Guild, as it has lost a friend as well as a member. Condolences to the friends and family of Selina Vardik, who suffered her Permanent death this past Gathering after her efforts that proved successful the closing of the Arch. Without her noble sacrifice this would not have been possible. Condolences as well to friends and family of Initiate Robert Oakwood, who, a mere day after being inducted into the Guild, was brutally Murdered and suffered his Permanent death soon after. Let it be known that Calis of the Barony of the Ash Forest is no longer an Initiate of the Healers Guild of Ashbury.
Let it be known that he is hereby Dishonorably Removed from the Guild roster for his involvement in the Conspiracy and Murder of Initiate Robert Oakwood. Let it also be known that he is not permitted within fifty feet of the Guild Circle or any Guild member. All Guild members have been instructed to avoid him with the exception of matters of life and death. Any assaults upon Guild members’ persons, possessions or reputations will be scrutinized and investigated by the Guild with extreme suspicion and bias. That is all that will be said on this matter.
The Guild would like to welcome its newest members: Initiate Malfalin Bright-flame of the Barony of Blythedale; and Initiate Aldric Harringtion of the Barony of Blythedale.
I am pleased to announce the following promotions within the Guild: Acolyte Chip of the Barony of Nordenn; Acolyte Ivanna of the Barony of Nordenn; and Clement Celosia of the Barony of Blythedale.
The Guild will be closing for regular business at Midnight every night, and reopening the next day by Noon. In the period the Guild is officially closed, no merchanting Guild functions will be available, unless myself or another Invested member of the Guild wishes to make an exception. Of course, Resurrection services are twenty-four hours upon availability of an Invested member of the Guild. The Guild is seeking primary components and Ritual scrolls for the Earth Rituals Mark/Unmark (perfect pearl), Destroy Magic (rock salt & lime), and Investiture (bug in amber). The Guild will pay market prices for Necromantic Ritual scrolls, components, and magic items. Turn your disappointment into profit, and help assist in the destruction of foul Necromantic energies.
Anyone is welcome to interview for membership within the Guild. Please stop by the Guild or send correspondence to schedule an appointment. Guild services include the following: potion/elixir sales and trade, Ritual component identification, Ritual casting, Resurrection, registration services, spellbook and spell ink sales, training in the arts of Alchemy, Healing and Earth magics.
The cost for Ritual casting is one gold per level of the Ritual cast, plus one gold for the casting. Components and Ritual scroll must be supplied by the customer wishing to have the Ritual cast. Please make reservations in advance for this service.
The Guild has laboratory spaces available in its potion and alchemy labs. If you wish to use either, please come to the Guild to reserve a space. Guild members have precedence above all others, so sign up early. The Guild also has spellbooks available for use in study, however you must reserve them in the Guild before any of the books can be signed out for use. Customers without reservations will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.
All Guild members who will be in Ashbury at any time need to send word to the Guild so that they may be assigned Guild duty and also be considered for Guild tasks.
With this Hallowe’en comes more strife, this time in the way of Undead. Muckhead and his minions have claimed the lives of many a townsperson, which brings one’s thoughts to that of Life and the protection of it.
My first topic of concern is the conduct of those within the Guild. Members of the Healers Guild are expected to walk the Path of the Healer, and to give without hesitation of themselves in protection of Life. If ever there is a question of the motives or the disposition of a member of the Guild, I would expect anyone (especially Nobility, who I understand are discouraged from spreading harmful rumors needlessly) to come to me at the Guild and tell me of such issues. Any issues concerning a Guild member will be dealt with the highest of priority, and the truth with be known. The Guild will not stand for a harmful reputation being dealt in lies and secretive whispers.
The Path of the Healer is not an easy one, to give up your own personal protection and security in order to enter into a life of servitude of others. Many times the Healer shuns all means of recognition and glory to pursue what is right — aiding the sick, the injured, the fallen. Take into consideration how quickly combat would be over — with your side as the losing one — without Healers to see to the quick reparation of your body and the bodies of your comrades fighting beside you. Without their selfless efforts, no wounds would be bandaged, no Life spells would be cast, no spells would be given to help those in need.
I do not speak of my own life as a Healer in an attempt to gain recognition, I direct your attention instead to the bold men and women amongst you who follow this Path. Remember that their study goes not to memorizing spells to destroy the enemy in order to collect its gold and garnish their own wealth, but to Healing magics to ensure that all are well and protect the health of all as a whole. The Healer does not gain in material goods enough to support their training without the assistance of a good group of friends to help them — look even more so to the independent person lending a hand taking the time to carry people to safety rather than stooping to collect material wealth from a fallen foe. Please look to the Healers with great respect and offer them a word of thanks, as they are the true defenders of the Right and the Good against injustice and evil.
To all the people of Ashbury, hold those dear close to you, and examine the importance of Life and the defense of such. May your path home be short and your joy boundless.
Guildmistress Natasha Roskaya, Healers Guild of Ashbury
Mages Guild Report
Thank you to all of the members of the guild for standing together regarding the issue concerning the fire elementals. I cannot say that I fully understand the situation, but I do hope that we will stand just as strong in the future, should the occasion ever arise.
I would also like to express my thanks to those who interviewed for membership, knowing that there was to be a confrontation with the elementals, and were still just as eager to join. This is the dedication and devotion that makes a guild such as ours strong.
Two members of the Mages Guild are now elemental embassadors. Apprentice Rune is the ambassador to the fire elementals and apprentice Maximillian De’tale is ambassador to Air. The impact that this will have on the guild has not yet been determined.
My humblest apologies to the people of Ashbury, most especially to Baron Jonathan, for the incident involving Nepetam shortly after the guild meeting on October 10. I understand that Shalizar had a relationship of sorts with him and things soured. Now my guild has become responsible for her actions. If blame is placed, I ask that you do not blame the Mages Guild. Shalizar’s actions were her own.
Members of the Mages Guild are reminded that guild duty is mandatory. You are also required to memorize one Detect Magic to be used during guild duty. Please make sure to come to the guild if you are going to be in town. If you have other obligations, you are still asked to come to the guild and make your presence in town known.
On a happier note: Sir Zachary Blane had recently taken some time away from the Mages guild and has now returned to further his studies in Celestial magics. Welcome back, Zachary.
I would also like to welcome Apprentice Mattias MacLeod to the guild.
Hopefully, the winter months will quieter than the summer months have been. May the Moon guide you home and the stars keep you safe!
Guildmistress K. Bandar
by Sue D’Onym
Well, the gossip certainly has been spreading around this month! And, since the layout of this paper this month happened to leave a lot of extra space, I am more than happy to fill in here and provide some News They Don’t Want You To Know!
Most of the talk this month concerns the problems that the nobles are having with each other.
It all started of course with ex-squire Calis and his buddies being found guilty of killing Robert Oakwood. This led some of the nobles to wonder why Baron Agnar (You know — the noble with the symbol of Chaos on his face) didn’t immediately remove them from his Court. The Baron replied that he was keeping them in his court so he could “keep an eye on them” and to “prevent another Harvest Moon.” This didn’t sit too well with certain people and my highly placed sources in the Ducal Manor House say that His Grace Duke Aramis is very disappointed in the Baron.
Then, to make things worse, during the battle against Dr. Formalda, Squire Scarn went to Calis asking for a Life spell. When Calis discovered that it was for Sir Zachary (the man who had prosecuted him in the trial), he refused. Baron Olin then ordered him to do so and he did. Scarn then yelled at and threatened Calis and Baron Agnar did the noble thing when someone of his Court was insulted — he struck Scarn with enough blows to knock him dead. (Well, he did allow for him to be healed.)
Needless to say, tensions between the other noble courts and the Ash Forest has never been worse. (“They’re the Trellheim court replacement!” said one.)
Baron Agnar is now trying to repair the image of his Court, so let me give him one bit of advice: Keep Gilwing away from his stationery. Master Gilwing, a lesson for you: Respect is earned. If you don’t get any, complaining about it won’t give you some. Also, some of us women here in the Ashbury Times offices are a bit upset with your sexist attitudes. And, last I checked, Lady Azrael was not a “Baroness.”
Gilwing has sworn on his beard that he did not kill Robert Oakwood. Someone see if you can get him to swear on his beard that he wasn’t there when Oakwood was killed, or that he doesn’t know who did it.
Of course, Agnar has problems within his own home as well. It seems that at the Halloween Party, Azrael thought that he was talking just a bit too long to Squire Talin. Apparently the two are often discussing such private matters that even other members of the barony have been requested to leave them alone. One squire was overheard telling the Baron in a most sarcastic tone, “Don’t worry, I’ll entertain your wife” as he walked away from the elves. (Last time Agnar and Talin were “discussing matters of elven survival” at the Tree, Lady Azrael and the rest of the barony shivered in the woods, hiding from a Death Elemental!) Anyway at that Halloween party, Azrael was overheard saying that if the Baron did not move (and quickly) that she would just attack him right there in the tavern. Baron Agnar, being a wise knight, quickly summed up his strategic situation and did what his wife asked him to do.
Someone recently dropped a note to me saying that Chip of Nordenn had, in retaliation for Calis’ actions, refused to heal an Ash Forest member. I don’t have any other confirming evidence of this nor a name of who was supposedly not healed, so if anyone knows if this is true, please let me know! A gossip has work to do, you know!
Well, enough of that topic! What else is going on in Ashbury society? Let’s talk about romance.
The Love 9 that was placed on Sparticus has worn off but Celosia and he were still seen alone together quite a bit. Maybe it was renewed?
It seems that BrightHawk has been seen with Sir Zachary quite a bit lately. Pineaus and Jonah Purus can be heard sighing in relief somewhere, I’m sure.
Nigel the gypsy came on to Squire Rune’s daughter, Regan, to which the overprotective father replied “try it and I shall obliterate you thrice.” I guess even Mystic Wood Elves have their limitations, but then Rune decided on a spur of the moment to become a biata! Now he not only has the local MWEs upset at him, but the local biata are looking at him a bit strange too. “I would change into an elf in a minute if I had the scroll,” Rune reportedly stated. Not an attitude to win him many friends in any race.
Speaking of gypsies, one named Sergei came to town recently and spent his time threatening Guildmistress Natasha over something her family supposedly did generations ago or something; he wasn’t very clear on the details except that Ta’Wané had something to do with it. He apparently went to Zatarina to get her help, but Zat is not saying what they spoke about.
Natasha, of course, still resurrected Sergei (twice) because she will not let her duty to the Guild come second to her personal opinions. This doesn’t mean he had to have a perfect resurrection of course. . .
When Natasha performed Rune’s resurrection, she said “You feel the power of the Earth coursing through you, making your hair stand on end — it’s the most incredible, wonderful feeling you’ve ever experienced.”
Rune: “Better than the nymphs?”
Natasha: “Much better than the nymphs.”
Rune: “Aha! This Earth magic stuff is great! I’m gonna heal everybody once I’m out of here!”
His Grace had his own romantic relationships to worry about. At the Blythedale Halloween party, he was sitting tensely next to Princess Lilyth and had been trying unsuccessfully to compliment her all evening. He turned to his knights for advice, but turned down help from Sir Eros. “You’ll just want to try her!” he said. “Sure,” said the leering Magistrate. “I’ll try anyone once. . .”
Later, His Grace turned to Baron Agnar and tried to say, “Baron Agnar, show us a display of your martial prowess” but instead said to him: “Baron Agnar, show us a display of your marital prowess.” When Agnar replied with a loud “What?!!” His Grace, even more embarrassed now, ordered everyone to forget he had ever said that.
The Code of Chivalry made an appearance at the party. When the pinata was broken and coins scattered upon the ground, the tenet “Thou shalt be generous and give freely to everyone” was all too obvious. I wonder how many commoners ended up with bruises on their heads from Squire Derek Dreamweaver’s polearm as he dived after the goodies that fell.
The Court of Blythedale, which sponsored the party, are the fastest growing group in Ashbury at the moment. Apparently, Baron Jonathan and Sir Daniel have impressed commoners enough that many are turning over their ritual scrolls and components to the Barony after hearing how Kelial took the Baronial treasury with him when he resigned.
Sir Daniel, meanwhile, has demanded that the leaders of the rogue organization known as The White Rose present themselves to him. Apparently, he had sent Shya Corak into Trellheim for some mission or another, and she was returned to him unconscious by members of the Rose who chastized Daniel for sending her out on her own into an area inhabited by our enemies. The White Rose showed its traditional “respect” for the nobles by ignoring his order completely.
Solemn Judgement is making quite a name for himself among Ashbury’s elite. Many are claiming that his card readings are so accurate, he can tell you the precise date and manner of your death! He did Sir Eros’ reading, and the cards that immediately came up as most important were the “Duke of Swords” and “Justice.”
Of course, not all is fun and games in Ashbury. When the townsfolk were trying to decide on who would be the next King or Queen of Halloween, Queen Nachtface, in an attempt to get the town to vote for her, said “If you choose Muckhead you will have all of the horrors of Halloween for three days. If you choose Yech, you will have disease plague the land. Choose Jack and insanity shall plague the land. Moan ‘n’ Groan will bring disturbing sounds night and day, so much that you will tear your hair out. I bring Darkness. Is there a way to cure darkness?” Natasha replied “No,” to which the undead Queen replied “You don’t have candles?”
Ashbury of course refused to get involved in undead politics, but when Muckhead said he would give back the Dire Bow in exchange for two lives, some of the Kiergani seemed interested until Baron Olin said “We will not trade lives for an item!”
Well, that is it for this month. Please keep those cards and letters coming and remember — If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
ASHBURY MAGES GUILD looking to buy Celestial Ritual scrolls and items. Please see the Guildmistress.
THE HEALERS GUILD is seeking the primary component for the Rituals Spirit Farewell and Destroy Magic. Destroy Magic and Mark Ritual Scrolls also desired.
I SEEK the scroll for the Ritual of Woe. Anyone willing to part with it or who knows someone with this arcane item, please contact me immediately. – Gabriel
TO TA’WANE: I remember every piece of advice you’ve given me. I count myself lucky to have known you even for the short time since we’ve met. If not for you, I would not be alive today. I am forever in your debt. May your spirit live on in the hearts of your friends. With love and honor – R
SEEKING ALCHEMY RECIPES? Elixirs? Gasses? Training? Seek the Sages’ Guild! The Alchemists’ Guild is now located in the Sages’ Guild building.
SERGEI: I meant what I said. Don’t push it. – Zatarina
SELINA VARDIK, Thorn Vardick, Rowan Vardik: All three of these valiant people died trying to save Ashbury from the Thessi. Selina, mother, wife, and friend, will be missed by all who knew her. All wishes should be sent to Thorn Vadrik.
TO THE BARONY OF BLYTHEDALE: You throw wonderful parties. I’m so glad I could do my part to help entertain Ashbury. I’m sorry my greatest joke was not told until the next morning. And remember, it’s mockery, not comedy. – Gonnirkan Mithrauko
THANK YOU to all who gave me their assistance in obtaining a spirit forge: The Black Unicorns, The Baronies of Blythedale and Nordenn, The Mages Guild, and all those kind individuals who retaught me the skills I needed to learn. Seneschal Xavier, I’m sorry I made the last few hairs fall out of your head, but I’ll try and research a spell that will make them grow back. –BrightHawk
THANK YOU to all of Ashbury for saving us, and yourselves, in keeping the Thessi Arch closed. Special thanks to His Grace for his support as well as Baron Jonathan, Sir Daniel, Professor Xavier, Shya Corak, Ashen Merik, and all else who contributed. Our hearts also go out to the family of the hero Selina Vardik, whose spirit will rest forever in the stone. – Xapano Corak and Zandar Norik
KENDRIN: While waiting for Ivory to make his first move, let’s meet and discuss a few “variations” to the game of li. . .chess, to make things more intersting, shall we? – Z
TO THE MOST KIND AND GENEROUS benefactor of the Orphanage in Safehaven: Please contact me as soon as is convenient, there is a matter of great importance I must discuss with you. – Guildmistress Natasha Roskaya
LOOKING FOR RITUAL SCROLL transform to Biata. Please contact Baron Jonathan.
XAVIER: I am looking forward to our private dinner. – Susan
I AM WRITING A BOOK entitled “Who’s Who in Ashbury.” If you would like to be a part of this please fill out this form. You may send it to the Bardic College addressed to Professor Bernadette Snippet. Thank you.: Name; Where do you live now; Place of Birth; Marital Status; Are you associated with a Barony/Team; If so which; Why did you become a noble/squire/merchant/adventurer/farmer; Something you’ve achieved or are proud of; Something you’d like to accomplish; Anything else you’d like people to know about yourself
MY DAGOREDHIL FRIEND: Please contact me as soon as you can, concerning matters of dire consequences – Nimring Wenedhil
TURLONDI GILTHALION and Thalwen: I thank you both for bringing back the memories of our true home this Qualinorim. I know not how to contact you; any information on how I may do so would be greatly appreciated. Thalwen, I do hope we may be able to share our works with each other soon. Namarie- Magor Talinith’aria Lotelaure
REWARD: 100 GOLD CROWNS for the capture of the hobling bandit known as Luvo Piper. Let us return law and order to the Duchy. – Sponsored by the Ashbury Merchants Conglomerate
WANTED: Replacement Master or Mistress for the Fortuneteller’s Guild. Looking for a highly skilled individual to take over quite soon, as the Bones did not bode too well for my immediate future. Please see Guildmistress Salamander on the Barony of Blythedale to claim the medal. (I’m not too hard to find; Follow the smoke!)
TO KALARA AND BRIN: Thanks for the compliment. – Aldric Harrington
IN MEMORY OF TA’WANE: I regret that I did not know you well; I am glad however that I knew you for as long as I did. I remember my first night in Ashbury when I was struck down by an undead fiend. It was you who brought me back from the brink of death. Now with your passing, I am left with a debt that I cannot repay. Ashbury will be a little less festive without you. May your ancestors welcome you to the spirit realm and may your name forever haunt Nathan Westwind. – Aldric Harrington, Kinsman of the Clan Harrington
LUIGI: Thank you for the Life spell. – Zat
I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE the following on being named squire of Blythedale: Celosia, Seneschal Xavier Kimbal, Brynn. I know you will do Blythedale proud.
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Z: I believe in you. You have my heart always. – F