The Ashbury Times

November / December 607

“All The News That Fits, We Print”

 

Vacarran Corsairs Thwarted!

 

A Vacarran Corsair Captain named Rotwave came to Fairdale recently in search of a mythical weapon known only as “The Leviathan Blade.”  Most interestingly, the Vacarrans (who are cursed to take an undead form while on the seas) were walking around as undead -- on the dry land! 

When questioned about this, they simply laughed and rebuffed the adventurers.  During the battle the adventurers were pressed hard, and were forced to take a defensive position surrounding the Black Stag Tavern.  While rundown, the old Dwarven fortress showed it had been designed well, as the fortified position allowed the assembled adventurers to hold their own against an overwhelming foe. 

Eventually, a parlay occurred. Rotwave had examined all the magic weapons in town, and decided none were the Leviathan Blade.  He gave the adventurers twenty-four hours to retrieve it for him, or next time he came in all would be slain.

Shortly thereafter, the Fey Lord who goes by the name of Faust arrived in town, explaining that apparently another Unseelie Fey known as Juggler had granted the Vacarrans the ability to transform “when under a sea of stars,” making them undead at night as well as on the waves.  As Lord Faust wasn’t pleased with someone altering the curse in this manner, he was willing to return the curse to its original proportions in exchange for the adventurers completing six tasks for him. 

It seems there were objects that were protected by a gease -- a strange “fey repellent” -- that could keep Lord Faust and his court at bay.  To combat the gease, Faust of a member of his “court” would on six occasions transport six mortals to six locations to retrieve the objects in question.  

First was a quest to recover the essence of a fallen star from a long-forgotten crypt.  The Essence was stored within a device called an Arcane Lock, a puzzle made up of stored spells.  Darkan, Nathan Westwind, Natallia Gallonovich, Sophie, and Liandiara were able to fend off the undead surrounding the crypt  and resolve the Arcane Lock, freeing the Essence of the Fallen Star to return it to Faust.

Faust’s herald then required six with “picks and deft fingers.”  A team comprised of Squire Koshi, Ezri Silverthorn, Khaddijah, Argus, Andros, and Denato were rifted out to the treasury tent of a Sultan Tulkanni, and instructed to find a very special gold coin within it -- the last remaining gold coin of the Karumann Empire, whatever that was.  With the sounds of revelry all around them in this strange distant desert, the team worked fast.  Ezri created a Circle to protect the team from the effects of the any traps, while Andros made quick work of the locks, then circled back around to disarm the chests.  A small melee erupted after one trap was triggered and guards rushed in; however, a Ward was quickly erected in the building, so no further “distractions” would enter, and Squire Koshi made quick work of the one guard that made it into the ward.  Andors completed disarming the traps without further incident, and the coin was retrieved.  At which point, the herald returned the team to Fairdale, having collected the coin.  

Cinder, Sun-Li Kai, Sevaria, Ithaca, Lord Pinaeus Brightblade and Dagorin were collected as “those that could fight fire,” and charged with capturing a giant salamander egg from the living heart of an active volcano.  After stepping lightly through the lava flow -- not to mention needing to deal with several Fire Elementals -- they were also successful. 

Lady Daralassia led a team including Ren, Tristan, Mischief, and Simon to a fey revel hosted by a Fey Lord named Celydon.  They were tasked with retrieving a bottle of Everwine from Celydon, which Lady Daralassia was able to do by exchanging a bottle of Asitikir for the strange vintage.  Once the bottle was safely in the hands of Faust, the party was again returned safety.

Another member of Faust’s court came to collect six people and “an empty potion vial.”  Once the team (which included Walgar, Joaquinn, Kayden, and Laguna) was assembled, they were rifted to a subterranean realm where their purpose was explained: they needed to recover a vial of blood from someone who would soon meet their permanent death, without being able to stop it from happening.  With some confusion as to if it was correct to not attempt to help someone they were told was beyond saving, they were able to obtain the vial of blood ... although they forgot to bring it back with them! Fortunately, Faust’s agent was able to retrieve it.. .although he chastised the adventurers a bit in the process.

For the final test, Baron Ivan, Squire Aven, Squire Ignatius, Pippin, Lorehammer Smith, and Aria were sent to a fortress made entirely out of mirrors to capture a small wooden handheld mirror from a being known only as the Master of Mirrors.  As the Master had made several Reflections of himself, the battle could have been deadly.  However, much to Faust’s dismay, the adventurers refused to fight the Master of Mirrors, seeing nothing evil or unchivalrous in him.  Eventually, they settled for an honor combat between Baron Ivan and the Master of Mirrors, with the adventurers putting up magic items in exchange should they loose.  As Baron Ivan dropped the Master of Mirrors, the Reflections collapsed to the ground and shattered.  With the mirror honorably recovered, the party once again was returned safely.

Later that evening, the forces of Rotwave arrived to collect the Leviathan Blade.  They pressed the town back to the tavern once again, and when things looked bleakest, Lord Faust arrived to undo the change to the curse.  With the Vacarrans in the throws of transformation, they were easily dispatachable by the adventurers.

The following morning, Rotwave once again returned.  While the majority of the Vacarrans had been changed back to normal, it was obvious that Rotwave and his senior officers have had themselves permanently transformed, as they were still in undead forms.  The Vacarrans once again pressed the town, but without the added power of their necromantic bodies, they were routed from the town.

 


Lycanthropes Cured

 

Late on the Friday night of the last Ducal Gathering in Fairdale, the Seelie Fey known as Niabi once again rifted in to the Black Stag Inn. She requested that all infected with Lycanthropy meet with her immediately, including the recently bitten Smith and Baron Ivan. She informed them that she had found the location of the recipe but was not able to enter the area where it was kept. She gathered them together and rifted them out. Where they went is unknown, as none of the individuals had any memory of the trip, but they returned rather disoriented, and with the recipe in hand.  

It just so happened that Lord Faust was in the tavern when the group rifted in. The Unseelie Fey Lord and Niabi obviously had nothing nice to say to each other. The two exchanged insults and dirty looks before they both rifted out.

The following night a team was assembled to retrieve the one ingredient the adventurers did not have -- a plant known as wolfsbane. This team included Nathan Westwind, Khorwyn Brey, Garathon Von Storm, Kiem Grammus, Denato of the Wings of Polaris, Andros of the Storm Blades, Ezri from the Court of the Ash Forest, as well as the “returned adventurers” Lord Tristan, Lord Pineaus and Alrick Brightblade. They struck out across the river into the contested lands seeking out the plant which would cure their comrades.

While the team was out, the lycanthropes back in town had begun to change. The town called for the Morfangs, who had promised to help by transforming them back to their normal state. One member of the family answered the call, but Liselle Morfang was not alone by choice. She arrived bloody and beaten. She and the rest of the family were ambushed by Dominion troops on their way to Fairdale. Larkin had insisted that Liselle leave them and fulfill their promise, though with the loss of Liselle’s healing, they were decimated. As of this writing Larkin, Connor, Kaliska and Corwin Morfang are unaccounted for.  

With this news Baron Rorii led a second team into the contested lands to warn those who sought the wolfsbane that a powerful force of Dominion were in the area. This team included Walgar, Pippin and Simon. There were many tense moments, as the second party was unsure where the search group was, and the first group was unaware of who made up the group further down the hill that was now following their trail. Thankfully they were able to tell friend from foe in the dark before any incidents occurred, and all returned safely back to town, the softly glowing wolfsbane in hand.

Back at the Black Stag Inn, Andros mixed the antidote with assistance from Denato and Ezri, and each of the infected drank in turn. The antidote apparently caused them great pain, to the point where they were rendered unconscious from it. When they awoke however they had been returned to their normal state. Knowing that there were a few people infected who were not in town, including Lt. Ithica and Squire Ozrick, the newly cured Squire Sgt. Ignatious and Man-at-Arms Joaquinn rode with vials of the antidote hoping to find these individuals before the elixir could lose its potency. Their swift horses served them well as they reached both Lt. Ithica and Squire Osrick in time for them to be cured as well.

 


The True Face of the Dominion Appears

 

In the early morning of the 13th day of the Fire Ant, a group of gryphons landed in the main field outside the dwarven fortress at fairdale. Upon them were well dressed Dominion soldiers and two Officers, one wearing the Dominion colors of a general.

He identified himself as Iesenverfector Tagas Riedic, of the Riedic Legion of Rotes Getragen.  (For those of us who remember the previous edition, a letter had been reprinted of his that had been a formal announcement to the kingdom.) He in turn spoke to his commanding officer, by the name of Orlantha, to put the troops at ease. The gryphons then sat with their soldiers as Orlantha and Tagas came forward.

            Tagas requested parlay, and was met by the Duke outside of the Black Stag Tavern.  Here, the pair discussed terms of battle, wherein Duke Frost had stated the only real term he would agree to was leaving the non-combatants out of battle. Duke Frost also stated this would not be a battle of honor, as he would know full well the Dominion would return to fight another day, and the battle would never cease until one of the kingdoms had been annihilated. 

            Oddly, through it all, the Iesenverfector was plain and polite in his answers, and thanked the Duke for the opportunity to meet him in battle. As the Duke gave the Iesenverfector moments to prepare himself for battle, Tagas stated he had not come to fight, and in turn the small group of soldiers mounted their gryphons and took off for the skies.

 


 

Elven Princess Visits Fairdale

 

       A well dressed group of elves entered the Black Stag Tavern on Saturday October 13th.  One of them was soon heralding the presence of Aranel Lothea Atalante, Princess of Qalin Mar.  The group also consisted of Qame, the brother of the princess and two other protectors, Yarulta and Yarvahata.

It seems these elves are from a small nation to the north and east, off the known maps of Icenia.  Their people have been in hiding from the Kanoredhil for 10,000 years and have recently found out the Kanoredhil have been vanquished and so have sent out emissaries.  They are planning on visiting Ashbury City next and then Imladar.

Much to the surprise of the adventurers, the Princess and her brother returned the next day after encountering a warded building full of undead on their way out of town.  After a long battle, the ward was destroyed with the help of the gypsy Adria and the undead leaders inside were destroyed.  Where these undead came from is unknown as this time.

 


 

Sergeant Ignatius Vex Becomes Ducal Squire

 

It was not your usual Saturday afternoon breakfast and nobles’ meeting.  Partway through the meeting, Duke Frost called forward Sergeant Ignatius Vex and ordered him to fall upon his sword, which he promptly did.  Duke Frost left him there a moment to stunned silence, then activated a Life spell and healing upon the biata sergeant.  In an unprecedented move, Duke Frost then named Ignatius as his personal squire and swore him to fealty.

This promotion was met with thunderous applause from those present.  It seems many are approving of the duchy’s newest potential noble.

 


 

Strange Occurrences Help Ducal Army

 

A unit of Legion D, currently being led by Squire Lt. Trevor Donovan, was cut off by a flanking maneuver of Trolls five leagues from Fairdale.  A runner was sent for reinforcements, but due to a lack of skilled healers, the survival of the unit, and most especially Squire Trevor, was in doubt. 

In an unexpected and unexplainable turn, several healers were suddenly “found” to be among the unit.  They claimed to be “new recruits just recently brought up.”  While this claim seemed to be spurious at best, one is willing to accept nearly any explanation for a sudden lack of dying.  The “phantom healers” were quite proficient, and present just long enough for the unit to hold their position until reinforcements arrived.  When their location was approached by commanding officers soon afterwards, they were nowhere to be found.  Squire Lt. Trevor has refused to comment any further on the unusual situation. 


 

Tranquis Rebuked by Ashbans

 

Tranquis, the self-proclaimed “Overlord of the Plane of Death” appeared once more in Fairdale to determine if the Nobility of the Duchy, and in fact the Kingdom, were willing to accept his unusual offer of “alliance.”  His Excellency Baron Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil of the Ash Forest quickly and quietly gathered the adventurers and courts into a defensible position while delivering to Tranquis the news that his offer had been quite certainly refused. 

While the entire town braced for conflict, Tranquis stoically accepted the decision, adding only “That is...unfortunate,” and returning through his portal to the Plane of Death. 

While no more of his “Order of Tranquility” have been seen in the Duchy since, it is probably only a matter of time. 


 

Apocathacarist Visits Fairdale, Runs Contest

 

Headmaster Ebeneazar Rynnel, the long-standing Dean of the Greystone Institute of Apothacarial Arts, traveled to Fairdale recently to attempt to find a replacement for the recently deceased Professor Erolyd Doriath.  Using the guise of a Potion Maker’s Competition, Headmaster Rynnel tested all potential applicants in four different categories:

A Test of Knowledge in which the contestants’ memory for more obscure facts of Earth Magic and potion making were put to the limit was won by Ezri Silverthorn of the Court of the Ash Forest when she came back from behind to beat the early front runner, Natalia Gallonovich, after three rounds of tie breaking questions.

A Test of producible volume had a three-way tie for first place between Kerrigwen,  Ezri Silverthorn, and  Aeryn of the Stormblades.

“Most Interesting Recipe” was won by Ezri Silverthorn, in part due to her incredibly complete formula, and in part due to a lack of participation by many others.

A “Healer’s Row” competition would have been won by the Methos, except that a critical mistake in diagnosis and treatment occurred with the final “patient,” resulting in another victory for Ezri

Following the four competitions, Headmaster Rynnel informed Ezri and all others attending that the purpose for this competition had been not only to test them, but to find a worthy successor for Professor Doriath from among the adventuring population.  Ezri Silverthorn was offered the position of Professor of Apothacarial Studies at the Greystone Institute, which she accepted. 

 

Questions from the Test of Knowledge, With answers!

1. List the five “First Circle” Potions. [Cure Disease, Cause Disease, Cure Wounds, Cause Wounds, Endow]

2. List all Curse Magic which is potionable.  [Weakness, Destruction, Paralysis]

3. Name Seven effects which do not have an inverse recipe, such as Cure and Cause wounds, or Weakness and Remove Weakness [Endow, Bless, Magic Armor, Release, Awaken, Spell Shield, Elemental Shield, Sleep, Reflect]

4. Name at least five conditions counterable by a Release potion. [Pin, Bind, Web, Confine, Paste of Stickiness, Entangle, Physical Bonds]

5. If you have the ability to make two Cure Mortal wounds potions, how many Cure Light Wounds potions could you make instead? [sixteen]

6. “Morgrin’s Enhanced Restorative” is the scholastic name for what spell and potion recipe? [Cure Critical Wounds]

7. Name the three potions whose common names are only one syllable long. [Bless, Sleep, Drain]

8. List the following four effects in order from easiest to hardest to produce:  Awaken, Bless, Silence, Weakness [Bless, Weakness, Awaken, Silence]

9. List all Command magic which is potionable. [Awaken, Sleep]

10. If you had supplies to make four Spell Shield potions, and needed instead to make healing potions, what combination of potions could you make with the same supplies to get the most healing?  [Mort, Mort, Serious OR Crit, Crit, Mort]

11. Name the eight illegal potions. [Cause Light Wounds, Cause Disease, Cause Wounds, Cause Serious Wounds, Cause Critical Wounds, Cause Mortal Wounds, Wither, Drain]

12. Name seven potion affects that only last ten minutes. [Disease, Wither, Sleep, Weakness, Silence, Destruction, Drain, Paralysis, Cure Disease given to someone with a reverse metabolism, or Purify given to someone with a reverse metabolism]

Tiebreaker 1. What is the only Greater Command counterable by a Purify, and under what specific condition? [Amnesia, if administered in the first ten minutes]

Tiebreaker 2. List as many effects as you can that are counterable by an Awaken. Incorrect effects will remove one from your total, so be precise. [Berserk, Fear, Dominate, Shun, Sleep, Vampire Charm, Waylay]

Tiebreaker 3. List as many effects as you can that are counterable by a Purify. Incorrect effectswill remove one from your total, so be precise. [Amnesia, Berserk, Bind, Confine, Destruction, Disease, Dominate, Drain, Fear, Feeblemind, Hallucinate, Intoxicant, Laugh, Love, Nausea, Paralysis, Paranoia, Pin, Repel, Shun, Silence, Sleep, Vampire Charm, Vertigo, Weakness, Web, Wither]

 


 

Necromancy Creates Life?

 

By Professor Bertram Gripple (Retired)

Recently, a new form of life has been discovered.  A plant previously unknown to us has sprung up, first in the estate of Forlindelin in the Ash Forest and then again near Fairdale in Dara’s Grace.  This plant has a necromantic taint and some studies support the theory that this plant has been created by necromancy.  In other words, necromancy has created actual life which is an event that has never before happened. 

This is very disconcerting on many levels.  One well-researched theory states that necromancy is evolving, perhaps because of the efforts to destroy it.  If this is true, then it is possible that necromancy will continue to change and evolve, perhaps to a stronger state or one that is unrecognizable, either of which would make it all the more difficult to combat.  Thus it is imperative that we isolate a small sample of this necromantic plant and study it.

Admittedly, there has been some resistance to the idea of examining the plant (which I have named the Gripple Flower) as it is the duty of the good-hearted to destroy necromancy in all its forms.  But I believe that this is somewhat short-sighted.  When a new military enemy is discovered, do we not investigate their strengths and weaknesses so that we are best prepared to defeat them?  If a soldier is captured, are they not questioned?  I do not sanction letting the plant run amok, tainting our lands in the process.  I propose to isolate a small batch, perhaps ten flowers in total, and contain them safely for study.  I would welcome oversight of the process by any noble or other qualified individual who would be interested.

The Gripple Flower plant is identified as having a long, green and black stem as well as white and black flowers.  If found, please do not handle this plant yourself as it is indeed tainted.  Some residents of Forlindelin discovered that the plant made an excellent tasting (though sickness-inducing) tea, so do not consume it in any form. 

If these plants are sighted, please contact me: Professor Bertram Gripple (Retired), 485 High Street, Ashbury City.


 

Mages’ Guild Report

 

I am pleased to announce that I have been given permission to stay away from Fairdale when there is no gathering of adventurers there, so will be spending much of the winter at my new apartment in Diron. Seek me there if you wish to visit or send missives.

I’ve been very pleased with the new recruits to the Guild so far and am sure that next year will be even better.  The investment of Aria will go a long way to assist me in the day-to-day running of the Guild, and I look forward to a time where we will have enough invested members that we can post specific times when the Guild will always be staffed. 

Until next year!

Wizard Aloysius McManus, Guildmaster

 


Healers’ Guild Report

 

Welcome to our new members Kaim Grahmis, Sophia Dawne, and Methos, as well as reinstating of Senior Guildsman Ezri Silverthorn.  Did I forget to mention anyone?

I had planned on having a Guild party in December but unfortunately have to reschedule.  I would like all Guild members to contact me as soon as possible so we can schedule something in January or February.  Let me know what days you are available.

I’d like to thank the gorbe who assisted me in our courteous treatment and hospitality to the ambassador from Thessi.  Your diplomacy was eloquent.  By all means, whenever he comes into town, I will ask for you to be his protectors. 

Starting in the spring, we will be providing hospitality, either through needed bandages or a shot of hard liquor.  We’re also having a contest to see if anyone can find the worst candy or dessert possible, worse even than the violet candy I provided recently.  This must be candy or sweets purchased from a real confectioner, not something you made yourself.  Anyone can make terrible tasting candy, this contest is to see who can find stuff actually being sold in shops around Ashbury. We’ll probably also have a best candy or sweets contest too, and you can make that!  I am taking nominations for “taste tester” judges.

I look forward to seeing everyone after the spring thaw. 

Guildmistress Zatarina 

 


Letter

 

Citizens of All Icenia,

With great sorrow did we, the House of Lords, recieve the dire tidings of thy Monarch’s death. Know that our pain at hearing of the loss of one so noble and true doth rend our hearts in equal measure to thine own. By Her Majesty Queen Throttlebottom’s order, and by the truest desires of our own consciences, the Throne of Home doth publicly declare at this time that any and all argeements, contracts and alliances entered into with King Gareth Ap Miore of Icenia are hereby confirmed and extended to his Heir. Though the light hath died for one great man, let not the same be said of our friendship.

Hadley Moonstream

House of Lords, Home

Room of Shipping and Export

 


The Corner of Chivalry:  Fighting Evil “Without Cessation”

 

by Baron Ivan Drake

It is well-known that those who actively follow the Code of Chivalry are required to battle evil “without cessation.”  And debates about “tactical retreats” are a common by-product of this discussion.  Each of us must decide for ourselves to what extent we are willing to risk our own lives in our refusal to retreat from an enemy.  There are many among us who would prefer to die than to retreat.

But given the active adventuring community we have in Ashbury, nobles often lead adventurers into battle in addition to, or sometime in place of, soldiers.  And those adventurers are the direct responsibility of the nobles who are leading them.  As a result, the commanding noble must consider the fact that these adventurers may not have the same tolerance for potential resurrection as they do.  So when faced with the decision to continue a battle against overwhelming odds, what weighs more: his/her personal commitment to refuse to retreat or the responsibility of the adventurers under his/her command?

There are those who will read this and say that the adventurers know what they are facing and that by joining the battle, they have consented to die if necessary.  But if a noble leads his/her troops into battle against overwhelming odds or certain defeat consistently, he/she will quickly lose the respect of those under their command.  Imagine a seasoned adventurer relaxing in the tavern while the battle has begun outside as he says, “I’m not following Sir So-and-So.  You think I’ve got a death wish?” or “I like Zatarina, but every time I follow Sir So-and-So, I wake up to her smiling face.”  It is likely that morale would quickly fade.

Likewise, a noble who retreats at the first sign of trouble will garner little respect.  So, the burden falls upon the nobles to use their judgment wisely.  Yes, I admit that I will gladly perish permanently on the field of battle for Ashbury and I can name many other individuals, noble and commoner alike, who feel the same.  But nobles are responsible for more than just themselves.  And it is their duty balance fighting evil without cessation with protecting the weak.

 


News From Around the Duchy

 

Dara’s Grace, Ashbury:  Four extremists from the illegal terrorist group known as the Zdefolwa, or the “Defenders of the Old Ways,” were captured in Fairdale after attempts on the lives of adventurers by members of the Untiring Phalanx.  While the extremists were unwilling to give any information, they were taken into military custody and removed to the Legion D fortifications in Deathwatch. 

 

Eldor, Ash Forest:  Baron Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil is personally overseeing the construction of several warehouses that have been damaged by fire.  However, the arsonist is still at large.

 

Entholm, Ash Forest:  A young elf named Traen has been arrested for graffiti and local officials are calling for a severe punishment.  However, several prominent artists throughout the barony are supporting a lesser sentence as they believe that Traen is quite talented and that his artistic skills should be encouraged.

 

Kiri-Ashton, Ash Forest: The legal battle between the powerful local merchant Tubby Grist and two local families (the Fiths and the Treenans) continues despite intervention by Dame Darlassia Fairseer.  Apparently, the basis of the dispute hinges around some fine print included in the contract supplied by Goodman Grist, but the other parties are claiming that the document is fraudulent.

 

Ector, Blythedale:  There are rumors that local hero Lord Pinaeus Brightblade’s sudden return has strengthened Baron Ivan Drake’s support in this estate, despite the fact that a persistent thief continues to plague local businesses.

 

Dragonhart, Blythedale: Guildmaster Ternis Kave continues to increase his regional power.  Unsatisfied with the response from the Blythedale baronial court, Kave now insists that he will hire a bounty hunter to capture the elusive burglar in Ector.  The guildmaster claims that he will step up and handle the situation since the baronial court has not done so.

 

Meadowbrook, Blythedale:  Residents of this estate are apparently seeing ghosts and there are now rumors of an ancient curse.

 

Bartersville, Nordenn:  The local merchant’s alliance is proposing a sales tax to generate money for local road improvements, but residents are resisting the tax, claiming that any improvements should be paid for by the ducal treasury.

 

Firwood, Nordenn:  Local hunters are reporting that a very large grey bear has been sighted.  The bear is said to be over 15' tall when standing on its hind legs and is estimated to weigh over 1,000 pounds!  Trackers have followed large paw prints, but have yet to find the beast.

 

Hollym, Nordenn:  A Dominion strike force attacked a Meeting of the Romani council on the 23rd of Fire Ant. Many of the council members were killed in the battle and it is rumored that the Leaders of the Draken, Romani, Varados and Wyndancer tribes did not resurrect. Rumors also abound that an item of great importance to the Romani people was stolen or lost in the attack.

 


 

A Little Birdie Told Me

 

By Sue D’Onym

Hello drearies!  It’s me again, with the News They Don’t Want You To Know. 

It seems Fairdale is becoming a haven for elven royalty.  Not only was there a visit from an elven princess of a yet unknown land, but Prince Gilthalion of Imladar also visited the frontier town. He took breakfast at the Black Stag and after some conversation was seen heading into the woods with Dame Daralassia of the Ash Forest.  Rumor has it his arrival caught her quite unaware and she was seen primping as best she could in the sparse conditions.  Should Baron Rorii be concerned with the competition?

Speaking of His Excellency, when Ithaca told Duke Frost that Baron Rorii had taught him to be more thoughtful and less rash, the Duke turned to Rorii and stated, “I don’t know you anymore.”  It’s nice to see our Duke has a sense of humor…at least I think he was joking.

While we’re on the subject of the nobility, it seems Squire Trevor Donovan has been courting Lady Knight Glorianna.  Is the eternal squire looking for a new path to a title?  Always unlucky in love, the Lady Knight apparently has her sights set on yet another soon-to-be-dead victim, er, I mean, lover.  Everyone she falls in love with dies shortly thereafter!  Has she been gypsy cursed?

The Children of Camulous Kerrigwen and Darkan were seen having a private conversation with Lord Faust.  If anyone knows what that’s all about, please let me know.  It always amazes me how the self proclaimed unseelie king can walk about the lands unchallenged.  Perhaps it’s the fact that he always brings attractive minions with him…well most of them anyway.  And I guess purple stripey tights are better than death by pointing any day.

All around the Duchy, there has been a sudden stop of attacks upon farms and other common folk by the Dominion.  Could it be that Iesenverfector Tagas Reidic is actually true to his word? And who’s his right hand that travels with him? And where can I get a snazzy outfit like hers?

Duke Frost now has two biata squires.  Do we smell a conspiracy here?

Squire Ignatious bravery is never in question, but his, well, let’s just call it “enthusiasm” has already angered many in Fairdale.  The local sarr accused him of mistreating some sarr prisoners when the Squire cut off their legs.  Then there was a problem between him and some vansir when Ignatious ordered Walgar to kill someone accused of working with slavers.  Hey, since when were squires allowed to dispense justice?   Some are also complaining that the new squire is likely to lead the entire adventuring community to their death as he refuses to retreat, even from overwhelming odds.  And his enthusiasm on accusing former baron Tristan Greycloak of being guilty of consorting with necromancers when Lord Tristan bravely negotiated peace with an undead pirate seemed a bit over the line for many.  And all that is just over one weekend!

The recent return of Lord Tristan really had an effect on his former squire, Baron Ivan Drake.  The baron was overheard asking the Duke if he should step down and allow his former baron, Lord Tristan, to assume the mantle of Baron of Blythedale.  I’ve heard of hero worship, but isn’t this a little much?

Speaking of Blythedale, the baronial court sure seems to be coming together and they may soon be fielding the largest noble team in the duchy.  Is this a result of Baron Ivan’s charisma?  Or Squire Aven’s detailed organizational skills?  Or maybe there are just a lot of people needing to repent?    

Zatarina was giving away disgusting candy in the Healer’s Guild and laughing at the responses. Should the Guildmistress of the Healer’s Guild be feeding foul concoctions to people?  The next time she tries to give me a healing potion, I think I’ll pass.

Olpheus Borik, the new Ambassador from Thessi, apparently has forgotten that scavengers are citizens.  He was overheard referring to adventurer Mischief (a coyote scavenger) as a “stray” and told at least one person to put a leash on her.  He sarcastically feigned awe at seeing Gilwing, who he called “The Hero of the Arch Battle” for the work the dwarf had done in sealing the Thessi leaders behind the Bloodstone Arch almost ten years ago.  Apparently the Thessi have long resentful memories. Well, none of this should come as much of a surprise.  We all know how those Thessi are. Didn’t anyone notice that he only gave protectives to the biata before the town went off to fight undead?  I’m sure Zatarina had only his best interests in mind when she offered the gorbe healer Methos to the Ambassador as a bodyguard.  Apparently the Ambassador liked his companionship so much that he offered the gorbe a chance to visit Thessi in person.

Who is the most honorable person in Ashbury?  One of our esteemed knights or barons?  Or perhaps Duke Frost himself?  Nope.  This honor goes to the Stormblades’ own Kayden who found a magical item on the ground and upon discovering that it once belonged to someone else, he freely gave it back to them!  Now that’s honorable!

Well, that’s all for this issue.  Send your cards and letters, and as always, remember:  If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 


Public Notices

 

THE EXODUS TRADING POST is Open for Business!!! We buy, sell and trade goods of all kinds. We also have our help wanted service, where local folks come to find adventurers to help with odd jobs. Talk to Camelia Warmwinters in the Black Stag Tavern!

 

SQUIRE KOSHI:  I find myself wrestling with the decisions I could not make during encounters in my travels this past year.  Thrice you have aided me with guidance, a moral wisdom, and a shield when the need arose.  Call on me, if ever my service you require.  – Nathan Westwind

 

FOR RENT: Interested in helping the duchy? Want to kill those nasties in the contested lands? Well, stay right by the action. Two houses for rent, both in Fairdale. One is on the contested side, the other is not. Both have mutable floors with mutable rooms. One is able to help in the production of traps. Safe, Sturdy, Secure. Interested? Feel free to contact Gilwing or any other member of the Black Forest.

 

SEEKING: A Celestial Vision Ritual Scroll.  To be purchased by The Fairdale Chapter of the Ashbury Mages Guild.  Contact Nathan Westwind or any active

member of the guild with information.

 

ATTENTION: If anyone has knowledge of the recent whereabouts of Squire Lokegon Whiteearth, please contact Baron Ivan Drake of Blythedale.