Undead Storm Out of Shadowkeep!
Undead in massive numbers attacked and have taken the castle of Shadowkeep within Nordenn. Undead forces, led by powerful ghouls and an enormous death knight rumored to be former Baron Douglas Nordenn, attacked barracks and Nordenn army headquarters within the outer bailey from the Inner Keep of the castle in mid December.
Casualties were heavy during intensive night fighting, and many guards and army commanders were slain while they slept as undead spilled out of storm drains and secret passageways.
Regrouping outside the estate, the Nordenn forces have managed to keep the undead from solidifying control of the town below the keep. Spirits and strange forms have been seen patrolling the walls of the keep, and the doors have been shut and magically sealed.
Each night, Douglas apparently sallies forth from the Keep to attack the arrayed forces of Nordenn. While forces have apparently been able to contain Douglas’ depredations, reports have filtered out that cemeteries outside the keep are rapidly losing bodies from their graves — apparently to fuel immense amounts of necromantic ritual castings within the estate.
Bellowing that his reign will soon begin, Baron Douglas has called for Baron Olin and his court to meet him in battle personally — claiming he will destroy the pretender Nordenn and reestablish the Barony to its once powerful standing within the Duchy.
Recent incidents have reported that several patrols from the regional garrisons have been attacked by undead primarily skeletons and ghouls. The spectral images of various beings have been seen within the castle itself recently, and patrols within the keep have reported strange happenings. Once such incident indicated that a guard was found a desiccated husk, and one patrol reported being lost for hours within the keep, claiming the passageways moved and were not apparently laid out as maps indicated.
Shadowkeep’s inner bailey and outer bailey have been the centers of army training areas, and barracks have been constructed within the keep itself; however the inner keeps and many of the walls of the castle have been abandoned for years.
Shadowkeep has long been the sight of strange happenings, apparently even predating the original founding of the Duchy and dating perhaps from the years in which the barbarians held the lands that were once Nordenn. Rebuilt from the ruins of a previous castle, Shadowkeep began during the reign of Wellington Nordenn and finished during the beginning of the reign of Serina Nordenn. Baron Wellington himself was rumored to have died on the Nordenn estate, killed by bandits or necromancers sworn to kill him.
The history of Shadowkeep is a heavy one, having been the dying place of more members of Nordenn family than the family capital, Nordenn Keep. The stories of its hauntings are now local lore and fables, but happenings even to this day along the dark walls substantiate the need to keep telling them.
Shadowkeep is located along the edge of an immensely deep quarry that has been used for hundreds of years to build local houses, forts, and keeps as far as Dwarvenholm and the Tower Hills Citadel. The dense rock is said to be strong and dark, and often used by sculptors to create wonderful works of art.
Shadowkeep has served for hundreds of years as the major site of Nordenn’s military units in the North of the Barony and recently the sight of a military Academy. During the raid of Douglas Nordenn, Shadowkeep for a time became the capital of the barony.
The estate of Shadowkeep is filled with light woods and rolling hills that form the base of the Gray Hills of Northern Nordenn. The estate is populated by a hearty folk descended from military stock who tend to be “no nonsense” and somewhat superstitious. And with good reason — for Shadowkeep is now as dark as its name.
Under the reign of Baron Bryan Nordenn and later Bretton Nordenn, the estate of Shadowkeep became the location of the Nordenn Institute of Military Sciences.
Last year reports of disappearances among the student body and several incidents among the faculty have caused the institute to be moved to the estate of Immervale on orders from Baron Olin Redbeard Nordenn.
In what certainly must be a related incident, The Ashbury Times recently received a missive from an unknown source calling themselves the “Bond Breakers.” The letter reads as follows in its entirety:
Douglas Nordenn is merely a puppet and pawn of a far greater evil within Nordenn called the Geist. The former Baroness of Nordenn, Crystavia, is the leader of a powerful cult of necromancers calling themselves the “Hand of the Geist”. The Geist is believed to predate the Northman occupation of Nordenn before the founding of the Barony in the 2nd century of Evendarr History, and believed to be a usurper that killed a lawful king.
The Geist controls the land bond of Nordenn and it is the source of its power. The Geist in one way or another is responsible for the death of every leader that has every ruled the Barony of Nordenn, with perhaps the exception of Bryan Nordenn. Olin Nordenn will not be the exception unless the Keep can be penetrated and the source within of the Geist’s power destroyed.
We have stood against the Geists and its hand for nearly 200 years, working in secret to destroys its power with little success. Content at one point to attack from the darkness and remain quietly in control, the Geist is apparently on the move and it is imperative that its plan be determined and prevented.
Beware, for the Giest possesses no physical form yet seen, but its evil power and influence is more than capable of possession and mind control — even your friends could put a dagger in your back.
Given all this, Baron Olin has rallied his troops and is marching upon Shadowkeep, and expects to be there by the first of the year. His Grace Duke Aramis Llyrr is accompanying the Good Baron. All able bodied adventurers are encouraged to participate in defense of this duchy. Barrack space will be provided, but any volunteers must provide their own weapons and armor, but will be allowed to keep whatever treasure may be found upon any undead they destroy.
To those who would believe the story that Giling has told, I must tell you that his are the words of either someone who cannot see the truth, or a liar. If the people of Nordenn are truly as he has said, then I await ajudge-ment by the paladins. I consider his words a great insult and if he wishes to settle this matter of honor, I’ll gladly speak to him before or after our honor combat.
Baron Olin Redbeard Nordenn
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
The nobles and adventurers who gathered in Dragonhart recently fighting against Alaric (what, again?) certainly had a lot to worry about: Alaric captured His Grace Duke Aramis and they were on their own. Baron Jonathan Dragonhart (relation), the man who sincerely cares about everyone, still lacks a bit in the leadership department and in one huge battle, there were many deaths due to a nonexistent battle strategy. However, he does seem to be learning how to make a good battle speech.
Alaric was finally destroyed and I think we have finally heard the last of him and his necromantic ways. What a pitiful figure.
It seemed to many observers that this time, Nordenn was the barony that was withholding Life spells when Trafalgar needed a resurrection after taking on five undead. Afterwards, when she had calmed down and become a bit less feral, Trafalgar told some friends that she “bang on window of green and black, but talking, talking, talking...and I die”.
The weekend in Dragonheart also gave us the chance to see some of our citizens’ acting abilities...or should I say, lack thereof? When a Spinner forced Ashbans to participate in story events from Ashbury’s past, Squire Malfalin (a/k/a “Squire Pretty Boy”) showed his hurried technique (“YeahIgotthekeywe’regoingbye!”), Trafalgar used superior volume (“LOOK!! CHAOS MAGICS!!”) and Gage knocked them dead in the aisles...literally.
On the not-so-hot list, we have Findarth, who obviously was not thrilled to be in the scene judging by his lack of excitement and emotion. His sister, Inari, on the other hand, spoke a bit too fast in a pitch that only bats and some small dogs can hear. And we wonder why the Thespian’s Guild has not been seen in these parts recently...
Brighthawk spent much of the time badmouthing both the Ash Forest and Blythedale in an attempt to make herself look better to Nordenn. What will she say about them when something better comes along?
Sir Daniel Star had a delivery of wine sent to where he was staying in Dragonhart and upon receiving it and reading a note that came witht it, said “I hate their cryptic behavior!” Who is that, Daniel? My insiders tell me that he didn’t check it before drinking it, though...
Amani Council Leader Lord Gwindor was visiting, wanting to speak with His Grace. Instead, he settled for Sir Jaret and Sir Zachary, although to be honest, Zachary refused to meet Gwindor’s eyes and said practically nothing other than “Hello” and spent all his time playing backgammon with Chip. I do not know what they spoke about, but my sources tell me that Gwindor, who objects to having a kiergani Baron (Agnar) in charge of the Amani Council, may be trying to convince His Grace to name him as a knight! Technically, Gwindor was a knight under Baron Lorin, so he wouldn’t have to go through all those paladin tests again.
Later, the Lady of the Mists appeared and told Baron Jonathan that he should gather six and enter the mists; Sir Jaret ran to get some potions and scrolls, and while the Baron was trying to organize the best team, Rangar and Ator jumped in. Fortunately the group succeeded but after they returned, Gage yelled at the two, saying they had jeopardized the lives of everyone in Ashbury by their selfish behavior. He challenged them to honor combat, but, having no honor, they refused. Gage then attacked both and, after tooling them into the ground, honorably turned himself in and paid a fine for his assault.
A large shipment of new books was delivered to Shya for the Sage’s Guild, and she and Zat quickly scanned through them looking for good gossip.
Squire Derek meanwhile has been seen looking over his shoulder an awful lot lately. Perhaps he is afraid that he is going to find out just how upset Drak is about his pal Derek losing the Dire Bow.
Well, that’s it for this month. Be sure to send your News They Don’t Want You To Know to me and remember — If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me,
JANUARY IS SURVEILLANCE MONTH! At the Cullions Guild, we value your privacy, unless paid to do otherwise. Mention this ad and get 50% off a full month of surveillance when another month is purchased at the regular price! Call on us and we’ll call on them.
ASHBURY MAGES GUILD looking to buy Celestial Ritual scrolls and items. Please see the Guildmistress.
MITHRAL WANTED: see Gilwing the dwarf.
REWARD FOR INFORMATION. Help put criminals where they belong. All sources kept confidential. See Sheriff Larson Kirkby or Lord Magistrate Eros Clearbrook. As nobles, we are honor bound to keep our words, and we swear to never reveal any information as to our sources if you request to remain anonymous. Reward relative to worth of information.
THE HEALERS GUILD is seeking the primary component for the Rituals Spirit Farewell and Destroy Magic. Destroy Magic and Mark Ritual Scrolls also desired.
LOOKING FOR RITUAL SCROLL transform to Biata. Please contact Baron Jonathan.
THE ASHBURY SAGES GUILD is looking for scholars interested in research. Contact Shya Corak.
I AM WRITING A BOOK entitled “Who’s Who in Ashbury.” If you would like to be a part of this please fill out this form. You may send it to the Bardic College addressed to Professor Bernadette Snippet. Thank you.: Name; Where do you live now; Place of Birth; Marital Status; Are you associated with a Barony/Team; If so which; Why did you become a noble/squire/merchant/adventurer/farmer; Something you’ve achieved or are proud of; Something you’d like to accomplish; Anything else you’d like people to know about yourself
RING IN THE NEW YEAR by settling some old scores. Call the Cullions Guild.
REWARD: 100 GOLD CROWNS for the capture of the hobling bandit known as Luvo Piper. Let us return law and order to the Duchy. – Sponsored by the Ashbury Merchants Conglomerate
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all gypsies!
TO THE GYPSY with the tambourine: Please contact me. — Sparktet Bone Littlebeard
MY DAGOREDHIL MELA: Please contact me again, and soon. – Nimring
YOU CAN KNOW THE FUTURE: Through the mystic might of the Tarot. Qualified Astrologer offers readings to any citizens with the time and interest to examine the influences and forces which surround their lives. For a reading you judge accurate, a fee of 2 SP is asked. Seek the Man in Grey
LUIGI: Remember, you owe me a favor. - A. D’N
WANTED: Ritual Scrolls for any of the following rituals: Audible Projection, Audible Projection Improved, Permanance, and Regenerate. Also interested in Eyeball of a Drake, Assassin’s Dagger, and almost any Uncommon, Rare, and Special ritual components. See the Court of Nordenn.
TROUBADOUR: I need you. – Azura
JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). AElves of Ashbury, band together to rid society of the menace of the savage Wild Elves! Ward the Wold! Join the society of freethinking, civilized beings who will work to effect a better culture, unfettered by adulteration and horrid admixture. Send your names, requests for membership cards, contributions and letters of support to: Teril Belayson, President and Treasurer, Belayson’s Honey Farm, Elindil, Ash Forest.
MAKE GOLD IN YOUR SPARE TIME! No investment required! Franchises available too! call Cullion!