Halloween No Treat for Ashbury

 

Two months ago, the enigmatic Candyman, a strange fey-like creature who comes from the Plane of Dreams, came to town sensing a disturbance in the power of dreams.

During that day, a young woman came to town with her daughter claiming that her dreams had come to life and were haunting her. Sparticous and Paythin or the Black Unicorns rallied some other adventurers and with Candyman’s help entered into the young girls dreams to discover her reliving the nightmare of her father being taken by undead. As they battled they found that taking a book of nursery rhymes unlocked a third part of the dream. However, this was not part of the girl’s dream. It was instead the memories of Candyman’s Alter ego, Shugah Kane. The memory was of an artifact called the Forge of Malice, which gives the user the power to destroy his most hated enemy. Upon this information being revealed, the adventurers were expelled from the dream. Candyman now remembered that his alter ego was searching for this artifact. This heralded to many that the coming Halloween would be less than pleasant.

As Halloween night enveloped Ashbury, Candyman’s assistant Pixie Stix rifted into the town and told of how the Candyman was battling to keep control of his body. Right then and there the sound of a large rift opening alerted adventurers to possible danger.

At the top of the hill in the center of Ashbury city, Shugah Kane appeared with an assortment of minions to terrorize the town. A yet unknown agent, Vermanon, was also loose upon the town. The town repelled the first wave, but it would be their only easy victory that evening.

Later that evening, Candyman showed up in his normal guise and told the adventurers that he had to send them to the lairs of the Kings of Halloweens to recover the Tokens of Malice. These black stones were pieces of the Forge and were necessary to pass through the five gates leading to the Forge.

On another plane is the Realm of the Abysmal Gorge, a place where ghosts rule and undead are their slaves and workers. These ghosts wait each year for the coming of Halloween, which is their New Year, when they may enter Fortannis. They celebrate the New Year by committing acts of mayhem in the mortal world.

For many years, four rulers (the aforementioned “Kings of Halloween”) reigned and ruled. Over them all was the High King of Halloween, Jack O’Lantern, a zany and dangerous, unpredictable ghost. The four rulers beneath the Halloween King were Muckhead the Horror King; Queen Nachtface, Matriarch of the Dark; King Moan ‘n’ Groan, the Lord of the Sounds in the Night; and Yech, the Sickness King.

Each year the four would vie for who would be King (or Queen) of Halloween the following year, and would ask (and compel) mortals to aid in that decision. However, in 601 the Candyman, a strange fey being, was named King of Halloween (much to the anger and resentment of the undead rulers), and the Halloween of 602 passed without any sight of any of the Rulers of the Abysmal Gorge.

However, all that changed this year with the Candyman’s return and his mention of the rulers of the Abysmal Gorge.

The first haven to which the adventurers ventured was that of the creature called Moan ’n’ Groan. This cave was frozen and deathly silent, and after defeating several of the creature’s guards, it was Aaeun Nimbus, a green haired elf from Moria, who braved the main chamber and with eldritch fire released the Token of Ice.

Following right after,  Moan ’n’ Groan and its forces attacked Ashbury. The town found the battle to be more difficult than their first and fought in a less than organized manner.

Candyman eventually drove off Moan ’n’ Groan, ending the battle.

The cost was high, as the biata Jessamy Vorik permanently died and the Sir Harrison Ryatt was forced to resurrect.

Candyman was later confronted by some townsfolk, saying his mission brought down Moan ’n’ Groan’s wrath.

If this wasn’t enough, soon after Shugah Kane used people’s own nightmares against the town. Fire Elementals from Cedric’s nightmare of the Ash Forest burning, cursed Icenians from Sir Harrison’s nightmare of returning to that state, a nightmare from a Dryad Princess of her powers going awry and a child’s fear of toy clowns all were used to distract and tap the town of valuable resources.

The next day, another token was found in the haven of Yeck, the Sickness King. The adventurers braved the perils of his creatures and had to pass over a stone trap in the floor. After some deliberation on how to access the stone, Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil retrieved the Token of Stone from some sort of slime pool. 

Yeck attacked the town afterwards and the Ashbans were able to repel this attack with the aid of visiting High Prince Gilthalion Thantellin of Imladar.

On Saturday evening, the third token was found, known as the Token of Lightning. Queen Nachtface kept this token. Several adventurers went and encountered several of her favorite undead, vampires, protecting her haven.  After some fierce battling, they entered her haven to find metal plates that arced lightning at any who walked through with metal on their person. At the end it was the eagle scavenger Haytham Hasim that found his way past, and by touching a mirror was able to release the Token of Lightning.

Nachtface had already arrived in town and had been discussing the diplomatic removal of Candyman from being King of Halloween. Her force of normal undead and vampires vastly outnumbered the town.  Several attempts were made to convince her to leave the town peacefully.

First, an attempt was made to convince the Queen of Darkness that the adventurers had driven off the Candyman. Second, they arranged a personal duel between Alexander of the Black Forest and Nachtface’s general. Last, the Candyman, theorizing that Nachtface could only have limited resources available to hurt him, would eliminate the bulk of the undead forces while the town attacked the rest.

Unknown to Candyman, Nachtface had been experimenting with undead and had created a new form that had a burning essence. Many adventurers witnessed the disaster of Candyman’s confrontation with this undead that Nachtface called Scorch. Nachtface then left with Candyman’s body to ensure his resurrection and took the bulk of her more powerful retainers with her. The town easily dispatched the rest of the undead.

All this time, the wererat creature called Vermanon had been working in secret to capture and infect the citizenry. If not for the dryad Princess Poison Ivy and other adventurers of the Black Forest noticing some peculiar behavior, people would never have realized who this rat was. It seemed that he was an actual living denizen of the Abysmal Gorge. He had spent 200 years of being picked on and kicked around by the other lords of the Abysmal Gorge. When Shugah Kane offered him a chance to never have that happen again, he jumped at it. However, as things progressed, Vermanon noticed the camaraderie of the town and some of their kind overtures to him had an effect.

The fourth token was of flame and much to everyone’s chagrin, it was kept by the most dangerous of the Kings of Halloween, Muckhead. Venturing into his swamp lair, the group defeated the twisted undead there and Nicholas Couerfroid was able to gain the token. Muckhead quickly appeared quickly after this, and was probably already on his way into town at the time. The townspeople grew confused when it was reported that Shugah was attacking Muckhead also. Muckhead was eventually driven off and forced to rift away, but not before forcing Sir Harrison to resurrect for a second time.

After this, a group of adventurers went to the tomb of Jack O’ Lantern. It seemed that this former king had the Token of Death in his possession. Gaining access by battling past the guards of the tomb, the adventurers discovered that the token was in a brazier upon Jack’s tomb.

Before they reached in and grabbed it, Jack’s shade appeared and taunted the adventurers, saying that if they took the token he would be free. When Cedric the Purple Mage grabbed the Token of Death, Jack ran off shouting maniacally that he was now free.

With all five tokens, the adventurers awaited the appearance of the Gates of Malice so they could venture to the Forge. Pixy Stix and the Gingerbread Lord, Snaps, arrived in town and showed the adventures the path to the Gates.

Once the adventurers arrived, they encountered a scene straight out of Amora Dun or the Unseelie Fae Realm. Before them stood a  huge stone archway spewing smoke and glowing in malicious light.

The hearts of the adventurers sank when they saw the now familiar form of Shugah Kane telling them they were too late and walking into the forge as his minions attacked. The  adventurers were further disheartened when the dark form of Shugah Kane, now transformed into a new guise, strolled out from the arch a few minutes later.

The adventurers listened to what they thought was the murderer of their long time ally. Shugah Kane threatened those that he thought deserved it and berated his one time ally Vermanon, who had changed sides and now aided the adventurers.

As Shugah Kane appeared the most the most triumphant was once again setting his minions upon the adventurers, a cry rang out from the Forge “A good dream is hard to kill!”

With those words, the Candyman emerged from the Forge, also transformed. Seeing their ally still alive, the adventurers redoubled their efforts and drove Shugah Kane off.

After the battle it was found that the Candyman had the form of an elf with red glowing eyes and green luminescent hair. It seems that the Forge had transformed his entire being to be more of a dream elemental, and with his newer, more mature nature, he imagined himself as an elf. Many found the fact he had a metabolism more consistent to ours quite interesting.

The next day Candyman yet again gathered the rest of the adventurers to deal with the Kings and Queen of the Abysmal Gorge competing to be High King of Halloween. As the adventurers approached the upper field, they noticed that Nachtface, Yeck, Jack and Muckhead already stood upon the field, apparently arguing amongst themselves. Candyman quickly told all assembled that he no longer desired to remain High King of Halloween and wanted nothing more to do with the Abysmal Gorge. The Kings and Queen seemed quite pleased. They once again asked for a vote from the Ashbans to decide who would be High King or Queen.

The adventurers, fraught with nothing but bad choices, chose the one who seemed the least harmful and named Jack. With that choice, Muckhead bellowed that he was tired of the voting and had decided the choice would be made  “the old fashioned way.”

With that announcement, Moan ’n’ Groan rifted in with a horde of undead to assist Muckhead. Nachtface disappeared immediately, seemingly appalled at the tastelessness of mindless combat. Yeck made a temporary alliance with Jack to fight off this ambush. Adventurers got caught in the middle of this battle but sided with their choice of King to drive off Muckhead and his minions.

Muckhead seemed to be very weakened from the battle the night before and was prisoned by Rorii. After Muckhead was dispatched, Yeck, not unexpectedly, broke the temporary alliance with Jack and attacked him. The adventurers of Ashbury who were not busy being healed or healing assisted.  Yech was defeated and Jack quickly began an insane, rambling celebration. With a nod, Sir Eros, Candyman, and Rorii then attacked Jack and drove him off.

As though this wasn’t enough, soon after the battle, Shugah Kane rifted in with an emissary of the Queen of Mythlandria to announce that there would now be two baronies within her realm where there once was one. One would be of dreams, which Candyman would rule, and one would be of nightmares, which Shugah Kane would rule.

While another Halloween has passed with the two individuals now separated and a new king of the Abysmal Gorge seemingly chosen, we surely have not heard the last of the effects of the Halloween of 603.

 


Sir Du’Gual Named Regent of Blythedale

 

The disappearance of Baroness Talin Gildenlily has  been a concern for some time now, as no one has seen her for over six months. It has been rumored that she has been taken by the mists, and others point out that in the “future timeline” she was also missing for a prolonged period of time.

His Grace Duke Frost, not wanting to leave a barony leaderless for such a long time, has named Sir Du’Gual Mornavor to be the regent of Blythedale with all powers of a baron but without the title.  (See His Grace’s letter later in this issue.)

Sir Du’Gual has taken with him to Blythedale Sir Jonathan, who was once baron of Blythedale himself, as well as some of the rest of the adventuring group known as the Jade Thorns and lately known as the court of the Ash Forest.

In a strange twist of fate, Baroness Talin’s court has joined Baroness Glen and are now the new court of the Ash Forest, along with some other recent additions.

This bodes well for Ashbury, for full baronial courts help to protect the lands and better serve His Grace.


Biata Emissaries Visit Ashbury

 

While His Grace Duke Sir Frost Vardik was holding court this past Halloween, at his invitation representatives of the Biata Councils from Hopewell and recently decimated Bloodstone came to Ashbury city to discuss the sword commonly called Slavetamer.

This sword’s sordid history begain in Niman of the old world, where it was used to kill biata and enslave their people. It ended up in the hands of the barony of Trellheim who promised to destroy it yet never did. The biata had been told more than once by Trellheim, and later by the old court of the Ash Forest under Baron Agnar, that the sword had been “lost in the mists.” When the biata discovered they had been lied to, they withdrew their military and political support of Ashbury (though they were quick to point out they still paid their taxes).

When the adventurers of Ashbury reappeared after their trip into the alternate future, Bloodstone Council Elder Xapano Corak had given Shya Corak the task of recovering the sword, and after some time, she was able to do so.

Hopewell Council Member Arwa Nordik and Xapano came to Ashbury on Halloween at His Grace’s invitation and both agreed with the Duke’s suggestion of having the weapon destroyed. They explained that the weapon itself meant nothing, it was the fact that they had been lied to by the nobles of Ashbury that had caused their protest. His Grace was heard to say “those nobles are no longer present.”

The weapon was destroyed on the spot by Sir Indorian of the Ducal Court with the assistance of the stone elf Symerille.

The Councils again pledged their support, and said that they would speak privately with His Grace in regards to the particulars of their treaties. They both seemed pleased to have put this situation behind them, and Xapano was heard to say that he was pleased to serve a biata Duke again.

This reunion comes at a particularly salient time for the biata, as the freehold of Bloodstone was recently the center of a massacre at the hands of the Plane Touched (once called the Freejyn Horde). Xapano was especially somber because of the loss of not only many of his fellows in Bloodstone, but also because upon arriving, he had learned of the permanent death the night before of Jessamy Vorik, a young biata who had been studying under Xapano’s care. Xapano remained in Ashbury long enough to attend Jessamy’s funeral.

Also in attendance at His Grace’s meeting were Vavardi and Aleona Thardik, two people from the predominantly biata estate of Thrommel in Nordenn. Both were participants in last year’s Ducal Tournament as a part of the team known as The Biata Assembly. Apparently, they were there to offer help to the other freeholds. as they had not yet been attacked. Snide comments from Xapano summarized his opinions of the citizens from Thrommel: “We don’t want any help from you.”

Completely uninvited and wholly by surprise, the empire of Thessi (a longtime enemy of Ashbury) sent an emissary of two biata to the meeting bearing a white flag of truce. Though many adventurers leapt to their feet with weapons and aura drawn, His Grace allowed the uninvited guests to speak.

Thessi offered its aid to Ashban biata against this crisis in the forms of troops, food and information. His Grace seemed hesitant to accept aid, but he did agree upon an exchange of information.  Aleonar was quick to offer a safe port in Thrommel for the docking of Thessi ships bearing aid, but His Grace stated that military support from Thessi was not required, nor was it to be accepted.

His Grace kindly offered the Thessi emissaries relief from travel and hospitality in the Dragon’s Flagon. They were seen to leave the famous tavern  a short while later in the company of the biata from Thrommel, and later, a purple gryphon was seen flying overhead..


Bloodstone Again the Target of Plane Touched Attacks

 

In another series of three stunning and unprovoked attacks, the Plane Touched, led by a gray skinned being calling itself “The One”, again laid waste to key points in the biata freehold of Bloodstone.

The death tolls rose exponentially from the last battle, and permanent deaths are now recorded in the hundreds. Hundreds more resurrected. Included among the dead is Hopewell biata council representative Zandar Norik, who had been visiting the Bloodstone Council to discuss ways to fight “The One.”

The attacks came swiftly over a short span of time and in three separate locations in the freehold. The first came at dawn, catching many farmers who were carting their wares to Bloodstone unaware and unprepared.

Word spread quickly and the freehold was a buzz of activity when the second attack came at just around sunset, in the north of the estate in a small village called Redwatch.

The third and bloodiest conflict occurred just two hours later in the heart of Bloodstone below the surface of the city. The militia gathering there was wiped out after a long struggle.

Even though the Plane Touched were bottlenecked in many of the caves under the surface of the city, their celestial spell casters were able to blast through line after line of defenders. 

As many people are aware, the biata race has a strong disdain for celestial magic and citizens who sought shelter in unwarded buildings were summarily slaughtered.

It is reported that several members of the militia surrendered and were rifted out with “The One” who left his Plane Touched horde to slaughter as he returned to parts unknown.

Ducal garrisons have been sent to bolster the defenses of Bloodstone, Hopewell and Thrommel, but had not arrived in time to help with the defense of Bloodstone.


Necromancers Captured; Sentenced to Death

 

Recently, an earth caster calling himself Bertrand approached a band of travelers from Caldaria with a rather unusual plight. He claimed that he had paid for a Ward to be cast to protect his home from the creatures that seem to arrive with each Halloween only to discover that undead had already infested his home before the Ward was cast.

The brave Caldarians were met at the door by undead, and it took some time and concentrated effort to gain a foothold inside. After these undead were defeated, Bertrand explained that there were more in the basement. The Caldarian adventurers descended into the basement while Bertrand stood watch at the door.

In the midst of battle with more undead, the adventurers learned of Bertrand’s true nature. He crept down the basement stairs, and assaulted the adventurers from behind with his spells.

Realizing their betrayal, the Caldarian adventurers were quick to strike Bertrand down. They retained the sense to not kill the man, instead dominating him and ordering him to restore life to their healer who he had slain with a Death spell.

This group of adventurers were still in a bind, because, even though dominated, Bertrand could not be ordered to recognize them out of his Ward. Desperate, members of the group scoured the man’s house again, looking for anything that might let them escape. They were quite shocked to discover a small girl, hidden within a cabinet!

After calming the girl’s frayed nerves, they learned that she hid in the cabinet when Bertrand arrived with the undead. Realizing that this meant the girl was invested in the Ward, the adventurers were able to coax her into realizing she had the power to recognize them out of the building.

Bertrand was carried off back to town to receive trial and sentence. He admitted to assault, but claimed he was innocent of necromancy, having cast no spells of chaos, nor directly controlling the undead. Magistrate Sir Eros did not believe the man, and pointed out that it was still illegal to use necromantic items, of which he considered undead to be a very good example of. He sentened Bertrand to one death and banished him from Ashbury.

Sir Eros also tried Milo the Foreman who, as reported in the previous Ashbury Times,  had been using undead to assist him in building. While he struggled in the stocks, he pled for mercy, arguing that he had not created the undead. He promised to turn over the necromancer who had created the creatures for him in exchange for not being given a death, but Eros stated that the punishment for necromancy was death and that there could be no reduction of that sentence. He then ordered Milo to tell him anyway, which Milo refused.

Milo was executed and his body did not reform although he did not resurrect in the Ashbury Guild.  Sir Eros has ordered the Sheriff to have the town guard investigate Milo’s sources. 


Oracle Appears Once Again

 

The cave of the Oracle once again appeared in Ashbury recently, and two more adventuring groups attempted unsuccessfully to pass its tests.

The Oracle appears from time to time, always at night, and groups of six are allowed to enter the Oracle’s cave and pass all of the Oracle’s tests within a set time period. Those who are not successful find themselves ninety minutes later outside of the cave with no memory of the experience, and those who do succeed (perhaps one group in twenty, and the last successful group was about four years ago) is given the answers to three questions. A person can visit the Oracle only once per their lifetime, so if you are not able to reach the Oracle you will never get a chance.

The tests are rumored to include battles, traps, riddles, puzzles, tests of dexterity, and other unexpected twists.

Derek Dreamweaver was one of those who attempted and failed this time, and reported that although he does not remember what the tests were, his hands and knees were rough as if he had been climbing a rocky cliff.  Of course, this clue could mean nothing, as it is reported that the Oracle often changes the tests.

A group of adventurers spoke to the oracle earlier this fall but received incorrect information as well as the answers to more than three questions. Shya Corak was heard to comment that perhaps if you do not complete the Oracle’s tests completely, the Oracle tricks you with false answers. Perhaps, others speculated, the reason we had never noticed this before was because no one had ever gotten that far in recent memory.


Aquatiri Return to Ashbury

Last Tournament, two blue humanoid creatures appeared in town. The two blue men interacted with the adventures of Ashbury and seemed quite friendly and trying to learn about the surface dwellers. 

The Aquatirians recently returned and although they cannot still speak the language, they were more proficient than their last visit.

One of the blue men, apparently known as “EwwEwwEwEw,” arrived to Ashbury wielding a magic sword and wearing a very royal type tabard.  He reportedly told Sir Eros and another noble in town “You bow me now.” Sir Eros speculated that EwwEwwEwEw is now a knight in his lands, but did not bow to him. 

EwwEwwEwEw also spoke to Cedric and asked him for the sounds of the alphabet.  EwwEwwEwEw also asked for books and Cedric decided to take EwwEwwEwEw to an orphanage in Safehaven to learn the language.

No one is sure why these men are coming to Ashbury but every time they arrive they are always ready for a fight and they seem to have a special disliking for undead creatures.


Thieves’ Guilds Battling in the Streets

Reports continue to come in that various factions of different underworld guilds have been surfacing to fight each other as the winter draws near. 

The bloodiest of these confrontations, a rumble in Oldtown, left two town guard members dead after their failed attempts at breaking up the fight.

Among the groups mentioned are The Fist, the Dale Thieves’ Guild, The Wheat Guild, and many others whose names are unknown or which change constantly.

Meanwhile, Dockside appears to be a safer place to be, as long as you aren’t a criminal.  Sheriff Sir Harrison Ryat has redoubled his efforts to clean up the estate recently given over to his guardianship by His Grace, including hiring brute squads.

It is theorized that his efforts are making organized crime practitioners fight over their decreasing territories, which is perhaps why suddenly things have gotten so bloody.

 


Massacre on the Isle of the Children

In late October, the four clans of Tar Navarrian Mystic Wood Elves gathered on their meeting island known as the Island of the Children. These Children of Camulus were unaware of the danger that lurked just beyond the horizon, for they soon found themselves under attack from Dur Namari troops. 

The ogres and orcs attacked with a vengeance as slaughter began.  The frightened Children ran for their lives and tried to flee the island but most did not make it to safety.

Not much has been told of the carnage that ensued but one satyr managed to make it off the island and run to Ashbury to inform the Children in town of the massacre. The satyr spoke to Zephrin and Kerrigwen and then promptly left. No further information has been forthcoming.


Imladar Still Under Siege

 

The elven nation of Imladar, home to over 3,000 elves, is still under siege by Gonnirkan Mithauko of Dur Namarie and his forces. It is estimated that somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 ogres and other forces surround the capital city of Alacondras. Aid has still not been asked of Ashbury by her ally at this time, although the Imladari Prince, Gilthalion Thantellin, was recently seen in Ashbury City. 


Sage’s Guild Report

 

by Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous

We here in the Sage’s Guild are elated that the Crix has been destroyed, and would like to thank Guildsman Aria Devonshire, who tirelessly researched the Crix, traveling not only to Icenian libraries, but also to Cuulannis and Galanthia to gather information on this terrible creature.

Upon the advice of my senior members, I have claimed the rank of Head Elder Sage within the Guild. The Sage’s Guild is happy to announce the addition of our newest apprentice, Riddick Dale, a noted scribe and scholar from his homeland. On a less happy note, we announce the resignation of Senior Guildsman Jaquari Chiharu. She has left her studies with us to focus on her people, the House Ryujima. We wish her luck in her future endeavors.

The Sage’s Guild has a number of services for the people of Ashbury besides research for hire. We buy and sell weapons, armor, potions, alchemy and (on occasion) ritual goods. We can perform Celestial Ritual Magic, teach nearly any skill, and offer legal services. We also buy treatises written by unaffiliated sages and sell back issues of the Ashbury Times.

The Ashbury Sage’s Guild is interested in purchasing a Circle of Power ritual scroll as well as Investiture, Lore, Vision and Circle Lock. We are willing to sell or trade the scrolls Heal Golem, Summon Extra Planar Creature and Cloak of Darkness.


 

Letters

To all citizens and friends of Ashbury, 

It had been decided that the baronial seat of Blythedale is once again vacant. To end this vacancy, I have recently appointed Sir Du’Gaul Mornavor as regent of Blythedale.

I have named Sir Du’Gaul regent not because he is holding a place until another comes of age or returns, but because he is to be tested for a period of time. I shall determine the length of this time period as events dictate. I am quite confident that Sir Du’Gaul shall handle his new duties in a manner above and beyond what is expected and that he will eventually be invested as a baron of my duchy.

Sir Du’Gaul will hold rank as baron while acting as regent and shall be obeyed as such. He will be required to put together a court and to act as a baron in all respects. I expect him to be in Ashbury City for most of the gatherings that I also attend.

With the recent knightings of Sir Harrison and Sir Indorian and the ascension of Sir Du’Gaul to Regent of Blythedale, I have made the following changes to the ownership of estates:

Sir Harrison: Dockside (Ducal Fief) and Descante (Nordenn); Sir Indorian: Dover (Ducal Fiefs) and Elindil (Ash Forest);  Sir DuGaul: Amaranth, Dragonhart, Ector, Fenwyck, Greystone, Grimsby, Meadowbrook, Stony Brook, Tolman Head and Two Towers (all in Blythedale).

Baroness Glen and Baron Morgasander’s estates remain the same.

Deathwatch has also been reintegrated and is now a ducal fief under my ownership.

These are my wishes and my decree,

In Service,

Duke Sir Frost Vardik

 

To those adventurers and visitors who laid down their lives alongside mine in defense of our Great City, our Common People, and ultimately, our Kingdom, I offer you my thanks.  It takes much courage to stare in the face of the undead minions of those self proclaimed “Kings” from the Abysmal gorge, and when they call for our retreat, our surrender, or to pander to their whims by forcing us to choose between them all, to instead draw forth your sword, your aura, and your courageous hearts and take arms against such evil that would dare to darken our fair Land. 

I know that many of you are commoners, farmers who have taken up arms, even visitors from lands far away and through the mists.  It is not your job, it is not your responsibility, and though this is true, I have still seen such bravery and caring for those who are without defense that I must speak out. 

It has been my honor to fight along side you all.  May we meet again with our feet by the fire, and a warm drink in our bellies. 

In Service,

Sheriff Sir Harrison Ryat

 

To all adventurers of Ashbury,

Our friends and allies, the Korobwa of Synvia, have asked Duke Sir Frost Vardik for aid on their island home. The nature of their crisis is not quite known at this time, but difficult times have struck these good scavengers.

Duke Frost has requested that any and all able bodied adventurers travel to this island to aid its inhabitants. Transportation will be provided from the port of Yegril on the day of December 5th, 603 aboard the ship of war, Red Rider. Adventurers will be met by Synvian Council members soon after arrival.

In Service,

Squire Trevor Donovan, Ducal Seneschal

 

When word reached me in Peppercorn of the permanent death of my good friend Jessamy, I was at a lost for words. I had not seen Jessamy in some time, but still considered him a valuable ally and good friend. I first met him in the lands of Lombard when he and Greywolf came for the town tournament. A few weeks later, I arrived in Ashbury for the first time and met up with my friend Jessamy again. He introduced me to many town members and gave me bits of advice whenever he could. There were times that we had a disagreement or two, but still I remember him as a true friend. The many small jokes we would share about some of misfortunes: his “berserking” from the Iniquitous and testing his maces on my back. Our fight and flight from the undead Vaulder and my falling in love with a tree dryad. The hours we would spend in the smokers guild talking over our troll weed about what we have done. The return from the guild when we were ambushed by undead, and robbed (I’m am still looking for the thief).

Ashbury has lost a fine man the night Jessamy died. I have lost a fine ally and a greater friend. I wish I could have been there. I wish I could see him one last time and tell him what his friendship truly meant to me. But wishes rarely come true.

So the best way I can think of to honor my fallen friend is to pour two mugs of ale, set one over the fireplace, and raise mine to Jessamy.

Good bye my friend. May your honor and memory live on forever.

Athgar of the Clan Jade Raven

 

To “Lord” Kuwo,

Where were you, O great hunter, when the citizens of this town fought tirelessly to make sure the town is safe for the innocent this gathering? Probably making infinitesimal speeches and trying to make yourself feel like the proud warrior you think you are. It’s funny how supposed necromancers are vanquishing undead and defeating those who cast the foul magic.

Next time you decide that your words would be in the best interest of the ones who are listening, make sure you are prepared to face the consequences. The pride will be waiting.

Mahir Muhtadi Haytham Hasim’ Uday Rasul of the desert long

 

To all those who are hunting me, 

I do not mind that you wish test my claim, or attempt to make a name for yourself.  But if you are to continue this, do not come into town and show disrespect to the Nobility and my friends.  Do not demand information on where I reside, if you followed the road out of town leading north/north east you would come across my Keep, it has a purple banner in black trim with a large Black Unicorn in the center.  I am not a coward, as many have told you.  If I am not within the city it means I am off fighting another threat somewhere.  I do not hide from people nor monsters, I have no need to.  For those of you who wish to know, the next few months I shall be traveling around the Duchy of Ashbury, and I should arrive at South Point after the turn of the New Year. 

Sparticous, Order of the Black Unicorn

 

To the adventuring class of Ashbury,

I would like to extend my personal thanks to those who took the time to assist me and my dilemma. I am also gladdened to hear my personal friend Candyman is no longer in harms way thanks to your efforts and thank you for listening to my pleas for Vermanon. I am sorry I could only help while in my “dream-state” as a child. Even though what occurred was not in my power to undo I would also like to apologize to those who fell under the effects of what Shugah Kane created in my dream that seemed to bleed into reality.

To the group who rescued me: Thank you for your efforts. I hope you were justly rewarded for the rescue.

To the group calling themselves Black Forest: I thank you for the time you spent with me to understand my situation and to help my dream-self understand what was going on with the whole mess. I was saddened that you were not on my rescue mission as my dream-self had asked of Candyman. But I understand that he had been unable to personally locate my body, so his helpers did not know of our request. I promise I will take your advice when I am in the area again and pay a visit. I think I would like to see your Black Forest. And thank you for the beef stew.

To the Sheriff: I understand your view on the situation and thank you for not attempting to send me “home” as it would have been most likely worse for all involved. I promise I would have never let things get so out of hand.

To the rest of the mortals involved: Again I am sorry that things went so awry. I look forward to seeing Ashbury City again.

Princess Poison Ivy, daughter of the Forest Lord and Meadow Queen

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D’Onym

Hello, dearies! Time for another edition of the News They Don’t Want You To Know!

Sir Indorian needs to study his spells harder. When he attempted to cast a circle of power to destroy the sword Slavetamer, he forgot the last part of the incant embarrasing both himself and (assumedly) Duke Frost. Luckily the stone elf Symerelle had a circle of power spell in memory and was able to assist the Ducal Wizard in the ritual to destroy slave tamer. After the noble meeting, His Grace ordered Sir Indorian to go home and make flashcards to study his incants.

And speaking of Symerille, it appears that he has been telling people that his name is “Bob” in an attempt to keep himself alive, since apparently so many people want him dead after he sold out his fellow adventurers to Emperor Glantri in the alternate future timeline.

Seems like Sparticous has caused a small problem for himself. Claiming to be immortal has now caused many people who want to make a name for themselves to go hunting after him. Why, on All Hollow’s Eve he had someone stored in an iron golem come into town demanding that someone bring the coward Sparticous to him. What’s next, a Sparticous panther-ghast? 

It seems the courts of Ashbury are playing  rotating baronies, as Sir Du’Gual has taken Sir Jonathan and Gabriel from the Ash Forest to bring to Blythedale, and in exchange, Baroness Glen has taken ex-Blythedale court members Rorii and Darlassia. Alsoreportedly  swearing fealty to the Baroness are Kerak and Koshi.

Who would have thought that the nobles of our lands would be looking to learn a dark elven nursery rhyme? It seems the Sir Jonathan and Regent Sir Du’Gaul have been trying to come to some sort of agreement with Lord Find’rth about said nursery rhyme, which is purported to be able to summon…something. It seems Lord Find’rth has ordered his people not to share this information with anyone, which must have greatly perturbed Cedric Fruvous when he inquired about this issue with Jaquari, a former member of his Sage’s Guild. Hmm...maybe that’s why she is a former member!

The adventuring group known as the Black Forest is trying hard to clean up their acts. They have been helping to secure the estate of Deathwatch and to keep its citizens safe, all free of charge. Although a Ducal garrison resides there, there is more than enough for Gilwing, Air Raksaa and friends to do in this frontier estate. However, this good will is offset by the knowledge that they have  sworn allegiance to a vampire in Moria by the name of Kymber Dion. And not a single one of them are vampire charmed to her!

“Lord” Faust, who claims to be the new head of the Unseelie Fey, was again seen in Ashbury. This time he brought three companions: The Mistress, Ophelia and something calling itself Michelle. They all dined at the Dragon’s Flagon and shared a table with Alexander, Figment, Mugg and the alleged Seelie Princess, Ivy. It’s said that Mugg repaid a favor he had owed the purple haired fey by giving him twenty chocolate chip cookies.

During a fight with the minions of Yeck, Prince Giltathalion (wearing traveling clothes, not his normal princely wardrobe) was seen aiding the town and later chatting with Daralassia, Rorii and Cedric. The rifting elf didn’t stay long though, as things are still more than a bit turbulent in Imladar.

That’s all for this issue. Until next time remember:  If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me!

 


Public Notices

SPELLCRAFTING of Damage Aura, Earth Aspect, Biata and Vansir friendly. Please contact Squire Glorianna Wyndancer.  Reasonable rates.

 

THANKS TO EVERYONE who has contacted me wanting to join the Court of the Ash Forest.  – Baroness Glenduria Manyave

 

ASHBURY ADVENTURERS: thank you for assisting me in getting rid of the bad dreams. I'll see you all again, I hope. – Halfbaked

 

NEW ADVENTENTURERS in need of a Ward or other assistance, please contact the Court of the Ash Forest for aid.

 

SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED: The Order of the Black Unicorn is looking for the following Ritual Scrolls and Catalyst: Race Change, Channel, Enchant, Expanded Enchant, Race Reaver, Monster Slayer, Spell Store, Protection Aura, Copy Formal Ritual, Preserve Duration, Permanent Duration, Regeneration, Elemental Blast, Elemental Aura, Damage Aura, Earth Aura, Spirit Store and Controlled Spirit Store. We are also looking for the Catalysts for Permanent Duration, Race Change, Controlled Spirit Store, and Copy Formal Ritual as well as any reagents.  We are willing to buy or trade, please contact Sparticous or Paythin.

 

LOOKING FOR permanence catalyst to regenerate myself.  Will work out reasonable deal.  Please seek Squire Glorianna Wyndancer.

 

I AM LOOKING FOR the following in the lands of Ashbury or Moria: cloak, enchant item, arcane armor, elemental aura, monster slayer, render indestructable improved, earth aura. Willing to pay with other ritual scrolls, money, and magic items. Also Looking for a smith to make armor and weapons as well. Contact me at my den. – Mahir Muhtadi Haytham Hasim'Uday

 

LOOKING TO PURCHASE or trade for the ritual scrolls: Transfer Enchantment, Permanent Duration, Copy Formal Scroll, Regeneration or Arcane Armor. Have many scrolls and catalysts to trade. – Lord Find’rth T’Varian Ryujima.

 

CELESTIAL RITUALS PERFORMED.  Nominal fee required – Cedric Fruvous

 

LORD REGENT DU’GUAL, Good Sir Knight Jonothan, and Squire Gabriel, congratulations on becoming the Court of Blythedale! Sparticous & Paythin of the Order of the Black Unicorn