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