Dragons Appear in Ashbury City!

Dragons. Stuff that legends are made of. Recently legend came to Ashbury, and those in town during the first weekend in December got the chance to see these legends in person.

It all began with the visit of Lapis, a young dragon that took on the form of a young human child back in November. He explained then that he was out exploring, away from the lair of his Nanny. While in town, he was befriended by Naerfen and also members of the Harvest Moon. He was much amused by the story telling competion held in the tavern during the feast, although the monster in Killian's tale reportedly scared the young dragon. He left that same evening, promising to return again soon.

He did just that on the morning of December 2nd, helping out the townspeople who were suffering from attacks coming from the Chaos Rift in town. He stayed in town for just a little while, renewing the acquaintances he had made. Soon enough, Lapis wandered off again.

In only a matter of a few hours after he left, the nanny herself made her presence known in town, although in human form. For such a magnificent creature, her appearance in town was marked with very little fanfare. Colanna, as she is known, walked around town meeting the townspeople and asking after her ward. She expressed concern for his welfare and enlisted the promises of many, including the Duchess and Duke themselves, to deliver him to her.

While there, she was asked to help the town by placing a permanent circle around the rift in front of the tavern. This she gladly did, investing Lord Hanson in the circle. However, the power of the chaos could not be detained and after five minutes of building up, it destroyed the circle with a large explosion.

After speaking with the town, and healing some who had been attacked in battle with undead, including Sir Eridan and Squire Algar of the Ash Forest, she left town. As she went on searching for Lapis, she left three of her Draconian generals behind.

Later that afternoon, another dragon appeared in town, this time with all the fury and anger that is normally associated with her kind. This one, Mylena by name, came roaring in town looking for her lost son. She was belligerent and short with the townspeople, and although she did not outright attack them, she did attempt to destroy the sword Dragon Slayer.

This was a dragon very different than the pleasant Colanna. Mylena claimed that Lapis was really her son. She claimed that Colanna had actually stolen one of her eggs 8,000 years ago, and cloaked it from Mylena, so she could not attempt to find it with a Contact Earth Ritual. The age and the reports of a certain marking on the young dragon's stomach (which she claimed matched her own) convinced Mylena that Lapis was the product of that stolen egg. She stormed off, demanding that if Lapis was found that he be returned to her. She too left three Draconian generals behind in town.

This left the town in quite a dilemma. To choose one side would place the other against them, and no one wanted to bear the brunt of a dragon's wrath. To add to this, word came into town that Lapis had been captured by a group of so-called "Gryphon Riders," who hate all dragons.

A party which included Lord Hanson, Lord Morgan and Radric, went out to save the young dragon. They were successful and managed to bring Lapis to town. During the journey back, observers noted that Lord Morgan had taken a very fatherly stance with Lapis, treating him like his own son.

Just as they were reaching town, the two adult dragons appeared, spiritwalking into a circle cast by their generals. Calling upon the power of their kind, they made the circle permanent and then silently circled one another, glaring. Their draconian generals looked nervous, and one commented that the two were "arguing."

As the townspeople surrounded the seeming battlefield, they debated among themselves who the young one should go with. Lapis then destroyed the circle, and Colanna and Mylena spirit walked to another place to "finish this" as they stated.

After their disappearance, the debate continued, with Lapis finally saying that he like to go to his Nanny, Colanna, but would probably visit Mylena, if her words turned out to be true. Escorted by Colanna's three generals, he took his leave of Ashbury.

Before he left, he presented his magical staff to the person who had helped him the most, "Uncle B.B." (as he called Lord Morgan Blackbourne), as a thank you. Mylena's generals struck off in the other direction.

However, they appeared soon after, leading an army of draconians on their way to Lapis. The attacked the town in an attempt to get Lapis, and the sounds of battle rang long and loud on that cold night. Three legions pummeled the Ashbury citizens, and not one person stood idly by--all defended their town against the fury of a dragon's army.

Finally, the last wave of attackers were vanquished, but at a price. The field was littered with the bodies of brave heroes. It was feared that many would die, as there was no one standing with any Life spells. Luckily one person remembered that he had a magic item that allowed him to cast a single Life spell. Wisely, this was chosen to be given to Caleb Hand, who in turn Lifed Ta'wanÆ, and together, they got the rest of the healers up, and then through a domino effect, the rest of the town.

The forces of life were looking after Ashbury that day. Not a single death was suffered in the last battle.

Winter Springs Back After Fall in Ashbury

Recently, Ashbury was the board on which the rivalry of two seasonal entities was played out.

Everyone can see that each season struggles to maintain its hold on Tyrra when the time comes for it to be relinquished. Little did we know that these signs of seasonal change were actually the power struggles of those that controlled the seasons themselves.

It all started with the appearance of Bellayne, the ruler of Spring. She brought news that a rogue fairy claiming to be Jack Frost was being sought for crimes committed in the Fey world. She asked the townspeople for their help in capturing him.

Once she convinced people of her story, she left, offering the advice that only salt could render Jack helpless and that was the townspeople's only chance of capturing him.

Soon after her departure, a silver figure calling himself Jack appeared, frosting the town's windows. He ran around like a maniac, making friends and annoying people. Those he especially took a liking to got treated by being frosted themselves. Many, noble and commoner alike, wore his mark.

So many friends did he win, that when those sympathetic to Bellayne's story attacked Jack, they proceeded to get in the way as much as possible. One group even went so far as to hide all the salt to be had in town. Thus, although he was taken down many times, Jack always managed to get away or reform after being killed. After leading the majority of fighters in town on a merry goose chase, he took his leave of Ashbury.

Next in this saga came the appearance of Tempest, companion to Bellayne. When he discovered that the Ashbans had failed in capturing Jack and thereby letting down his liege, he literally stormed off, muttering that now he would have to do the job himself.

An hour or so after his departure, the Snow Queen herself appeared. She spoke to those who wore Jack's mark, explaining the great rivalry between herself and Bellayne. She explained that the Jack Frost that the town had been trying to capture was indeed the real Jack Frost and that Bellayne had lied about him being a fey in disguise.

She told "Jack's friends" that she had received news that Jack had been kidnapped by Tempest on the orders of Bellayne. She enlisted the help of a number of them, including Natasha the gypsy, Sir Angus McEwan, Thyme the half orc, and Alexandra Dumas. With such intrepid adventurers, the Snow Queen proceeded to follow the directional clues given to her.

Once they neared the small building on the outskirts of town where Jack was being held, they were set upon by Bellayne's sentries, in the form of plant-like creatures. Although they fought fiercely, it was all they could do to hold their own.

Finally the adventurers prevailed. Apparently Bellayne believed in setting the toughest guards out first, for the other sentries were easily dispatched. The three Earth elementals that guarded the door presented more of a challenge. But once again the adventurer's valiant efforts, along with the help given by the Snow Queen, allowed them to defeat Bellayne's minions.

As members of the party went inside to free Jack, Bellayne made an appearance, hurling insults and threats at the Snow Queen. This scene was halted by the appearance of the third seasonal ruler, Arnos, sovereign of the reigning season at the time, Autumn. Arnos silenced Bellayne and ordered the two to make amends and be on their way. He took the uncooperative Bellayne with him as he left.

The Snow Queen and Jack thanked those who helped, rewarded them, and then, too, went on their way. Judging by the recent snows, the Snow Queen has indeed taken her proper place in charge of the season; however, it also seems clear that this rivalry between the seasons has not ended.

A New Year's Eve Bomb Scare

A massive trap was left unexploded under the Duchess' new throne at the end of the New Year's Eve celebration, averting vast destruction and possible loss of life.

Patrick Dalton, Squire to Lord Freedan Barnae, Baron of Zarkym in Volta, was seen early at the party speaking with Sir Eriden of the Ash Forest. When asked to comment on his presence, he declined, but finally broke his silence at the end of the evening as he was preparing to leave.

Squire Patrick explained that he was at the party pursuing a Voltan troublemaker known only as Lotar. According to Patrick, Lotar was responsible for the deaths of more than a dozen people in the Voltan towns of Grunsfeld, Haster, and Vordinburg. Clues found at these scenes of terror lead Squire Patrick to believe that Lotar's next target was the Dragon's Flagon.

Because he feared alarming patrons, Patrick requested that only a small group of experienced individuals discreetly search the tavern to find Lotar's hidden trap. The explosive was located with time to spare, but the Dragon's Flagon was still temporarily evacuated to ensure safety while Sir Eriden dismantled the device. Squire Patrick would not elaborate upon who assisted in the search, but he said he was extremely pleased with the cooperation and competence with which he was greeted. Squire Patrick's only regret was that Lotar himself was not caught, as he believed the terrorist had visited the tavern to learn why his trap had not gone off. Squire Patrick has since returned to Volta to continue his hunt for Lotar.

Later in the evening, a man claiming to be a Voltan noble unassociated with Squire Patrick appeared. He was seen speaking at length with Sir Eriden, but was for some reason thrown out by the paladin. Later, when he returned and spoke with Lord Hanson, he was subsequently arrested and thrown into the dungeons (which, incidentally, were filled nearly to overcrowding with drunken sailors and students).

Tax Scam Thwarted by Ashbury Nobles

The peasants of Ashbury seemed near revolt on the eve of the New Year's Celebration, due primarily to a tax scam perpetrated by a band of Rotarian criminals.

Farmers, merchants, and other commoners appeared late in the evening of the party wielding tools and crude weapons and demanding to speak to the Duke or Duchess about excessive taxation. Their Graces were indisposed, however.

When Dame Sonya Dawntreader attempted to learn the source of the peasants' consternation, they broke apart and approached their respective liege lords. Baron Thomas Grey dealt with the complaints of two Blythedalesmen present while Lord Morgan Blackbourne attempted to appease a band of Trellheimers in the absence of their baron, Lord Justice. The orcs of Nordenn were on hand to speak with Nordennites who had gathered as well. Notably absent were any commoners from the Ash Forest, thus sparing Baroness Laurelin from participating in the difficult negotiations.

The source of the problem seemed to stem from what the peasants called a "Borderwatch Tax." They claimed that knights from each of their respective baronies came to them and informed them they were collecting the tax in the name of the baron and the duke. All nobles present denied levying any such tax, and promised to get to the bottom of the problem at once.

It was whispered in many corners that former nobles of Ashbury, recently active again in the area, were undertaking this criminal venture in an attempt to undermine the authority of the current ruling body. Many possibilities were explored, but instead of having to go and seek the answer abroad, the persons responsible unwittingly delivered themselves to the nobles attending the party.

Near midnight, Sir Gort Flameslayer and his entourage, Knights and Squires of Green-march, appeared at the party and announced that they had come to deliver a proclamation from Her Highness, Princess Lillian. According to Sir Gort, the Princess had deemed it necessary to levy a new "Borderwatch Tax," an announcement the Duke seemed not at all surprised by. His Grace had already determined that these men were the ones who had robbed the Ashban peasantry, but he feigned acceptance and asked for time to inform the people.

Duke Bryan and Baron Thomas then gathered everyone around the "royal nobles" to announce Ashbury's acceptance of their "proclamation." Instead of listening, however, His Grace ordered one of his trademark assaults that slaughtered the phony nobles before a single one could even raise a finger in defense.

These men were then tossed in irons and later questioned by Sir Angus McEwan and his attendants. Reporters were not allowed to sit in on the questioning, but it is believed that after enjoying success fooling the peasantry, "Sir Gort" attempted to run his scam on the nobility of Ashbury. He could not have known that the peasants had already beaten him to the party, damning him and his men before they'd even arrived. Unfortunately, the gold they stole was not recovered, and is believed to be hidden somewhere outside of the city.

Tiger Sarr Attack Festivities

Bands of Tiger Sarr have attacked and ransacked New Year's parties across the duchy, including local areas such as Safehaven, Connor, and Floris. In Ashbury City, an attack lead by Shredd, a Tiger Sarr who was once a bodyguard to the former knight Ferril Angst, was quickly defeated by Ashbans attending the Dragon Flagon's party. Shredd was captured and questioned by the nobles of Ashbury.

At first, he claimed to part of Ferril's brute squad of Tiger Sarr under orders from former baron of Blythedale Dinayr A'Vaughn. The Duke did not believe this story. Shredd was then charmed, upon which he told a slightly different story where former baron of Trellheim Stewart Medicia was responsible for having Ferril stage these attacks.

These Tiger Sarr have apparently been used as the shock troops of Stewart Medicia for the past several months, attacking and terrorizing nobles and commoners alike. Some suspect that they're responsible for the attacks by the black masked terrorists who have been plaguing the Duchy for the past year now.

Modi, Dwarven King Kelanor IV Come to Uneasy Agreement

The argument over the Dwarven Axe seems to have reached a peaceful conclusion, although some of the local dwarves were complaining about the outcome.

The Axe, which was once wielded by dwarven King Kelanor, had been willed to local dwarf Modi Ioki by the dwarven hero Thengor. Thengor had received the axe from Kelanor when he, Modi, and others had gone back in time to rescue the king.

King Kelanor IV, the current ruler of Dwarvenholm, also desired the axe, as it is symbolic of the leadership of the dwarven people. Modi had originally claimed to be the dwarven king based on his possession of the axe, but he relented soon thereafter.

Modi made an offer in exchange for the axe, and sent his offer by messenger to Dwarvenholm. Kelanor did not respond to Modi's offer but was supposedly quite insulted by it, and he went behind Modi's back to Duchess Mara to have her act as a mediator.

It should be noted that over a hundred years ago, all of the dwarven clans were united under King Kelanor. The clans split apart soon after the axe disappeared by being brought into the present by Thengor. Modi comes from a Blackstonian dwarven clan and owes no allegiance to King Kelanor.

Modi made his offer to Kelanor. In exchange for the axe, he was seeking (1) a weapon of similar power; (2) the naming of himself as heir to the throne of Dwarvenholm, either by adoption into Kelanor's family or by marriage to his daughter; (3) the naming of himself as a general in Kelanor's army; (4) the setting up of a trade office in Dwarvenholm.

Kelanor was outraged over this offer, and was heard to loudly comment at the New Year's party to loyal dwarves Smith and Damon Bouldershoulder that Modi was being completely unreasonable and greedy. The Duchess was supposedly very upset that anyone would suggest an arranged marriage.

"Apparently Modi cares nothing of the symbolism or meaning of the axe!" said the boisterous king. "All he wants is power!"

The king calmed down when a meeting was called between the parties involved. Both the Duchess and the Duke were present as Kelanor made his counter offer: Since the powers of the weapon were not as important to the king as the symbolism of the weapon itself, he would provide the primary component for Modi to have the powers of the axe transferred into another weapon.

A bit of negotiating then ensued. Modi asked to be at least named a knight in Kelanor's court, but Kelanor pointed out that his title is honorary only, and that under the laws of Ashbury he is but a commoner. Kelanor said that he could not offer any power within Dwarvenholm to Modi, as his people would not accept a foreign dwarf ("especially one with so slight a beard") in any sort of leadership position. "Maybe if you moved there and stayed a hundred years or so, allowing the people to get to know you, I could reconsider," said the king.

He then offered to make Modi a member of the "Order of the Axe," but when pressed by Modi, he admitted that the title really meant nothing and that he had only recently invented it (perhaps even just to offer it to Modi, although he did not say that).

Kelanor did agree that a trade agreement would be beneficial to both, and he agreed to forego some of the taxes and tariffs that would normally be applied to foreign businesses.

It was agreed as well that the ritual should be done by Shalizar as soon as safely possible given the Chaos rift, and that Modi would not Spirit Link the weapon to himself in the meantime.

Although peace between the dwarven clans is a goal all claim to have, the current situation does not seem to do much to move the clans in that direction.

Alaric's Noble Intentions Denied

Infamous former Duke Alaric Dragonhart attended the New Year's celebration at the Dragon's Flagon in good spirits and full of confidence. He was accompanied by three former knights of the court of Nordenn: Regina Mason, Ernesto Guvey, and Uther Parlonius. Much to the surprise of many attending Ashbans, it was soon discovered that Alaric had come to the party to celebrate "his imminent return to the status of nobility."

He confidently boasted that once a message arrived from the King's court solidifying what he considered to be a "done deal," he would become a royal knight of Evendarr. Duke Bryan Nordenn raised an eyebrow to this notion and there was some skepticism among party goers as to whether or not this was true.

Alaric's cohorts assured nay-sayers that his ascension to nobility was unquestionable. Ernesto claimed that the evidence used in the trials of 593 against Alaric was falsified and if King Mykel reopened the case, he'd find that King Joseph had made a terrible error in judgement when he found Duke Alaric guilty for trafficking undead and conspiracy to use necromancy.

Ernesto also pointed out Alaric's recent deeds in service to the kingdom as Trade Ambassador for the principality of Greenmarch.

Ernesto was seen spending much of the evening talking to local businesswoman Candy Came, and more than once engaged in an argument with long-time foe Quentin Dunbury. Alaric, meanwhile, spent much of his time consorting with long-time friend Lord Morgan Blackbourne, who has constantly proclaimed Alaric's innocence.

As predicted, a message from the King was delivered to Alaric during the festivities. He opened it in the company of supporters Lord Morgan, Ernesto, Unrok, and a small crowd of party goers. After reading it for 30 seconds, he tore the note into several pieces and stormed out of the tavern, with Lord Morgan and Ernesto chasing after him. The remains of this letter have yet to be found.

Perhaps Alaric was overconfident in his belief that the new king would grant a criminal of his stature a noble title again. His sizeable ego and supreme overconfidence had been part of his downfall in the past, and it appears that the new King is well aware of Alaric's reputation.

Seaman's Rivalry Brings Weal and Woe

The merchant vessels Seawing and Lady Lark were in port for the New Year's Celebration, but their intense rivalry disrupted not only their own merrymaking, but that of many attending the Dragon's Flagon party.

Both ships ply the waters of Lake Hollym, sailing trade routes between Evendarr City and points north which include Ashbury and Rotaria. Unfortunately, the noble and merchant houses which employ the two ships promote intense competition, resulting in a long running feud between their crews. This rivalry boiled over when the sailors got a few drinks in them and ran into one another at the party.

Crewmen from the Seawing encountered the first mate of the Lady Lark and beat him within an inch of his life. After townspeople separated them, he staggered off swearing revenge. Sure enough, he and his men later returned and a series of furious, drunken skirmishes ensued. Their escalating conflict finally spurred a group of adventurers from the Ash Forest and Nordenn to approach the Seawing crew in Dockside.

The rowdy sailors refused to turn over the man that Sir Angus and Squire Algar claimed perpetrated the worst assault, and a furious combat ensued. Orc mage Narc wound up in the frigid water, Gypsy Natasha was nearly slain by frenzied sailors, and Squire Algar was held at swordpoint while Webbed. However, the group rallied behind reinforcements led by Duke Bryan himself and the ship was finally boarded.

The first mate of the Seawing was imprisoned and the ship confiscated by the Ash Forest. This didn't stop the two crews from continuing to skirmish, but a Ward placed upon the Seawing by Baroness Laurelin kept its crew from rallying or leaving port. The Ash Forest was overheard saying they planned to add the Seawing to their navy (they repossessed another vessel in February of last year which they named the Treehugger, ) but Captain Keno has sworn to appeal.

A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D'Onym

Personally, I thought the New Year's Eve party at the Dragon's Flagon was wonderful this year--lots of excitement, lots of new people to meet, and lots of gossip to report. Thanks go to Duchess Mara and Duke Bryan for being such charming hosts and paying for the food and drink!

Robert Oakwood cooked a wonderful meal that was devoured by everyone, but I noted that it had no carrots. Baroness Laurelin brought many drinks and snacks, Selina Vardik made chili, but Daphne's fudge--and Daphne--were sadly absent. The Guildmistress was traveling to Ravenholt to meet with Mother Merry to discuss guild stuff. Rumor has it that Daphne plans to destroy the Guild's Permanent Circle and raise a new one, thus uninvesting ex-Baroness and now vampire Alicia Hollymsong, ex-Duke Alaric Dragonhart, and (coincidentally we're sure) Sir Kelial Vardik. Maximus is still trying to get reinvested, but Daphne says it will be "over her dead body." Panselore is said to be considering the prospect.

Actually, it's now Lord Kelial Vardik since he renounced his knighthood under Baron Thomas. I don't know why (no one tells a gossip anything), although rumor has it that the Duchess wants to name the temperamental biata a Paladin! ("Over my dead body" will probably be Sir Konrad's response as well.)

And when will Squire Ivan get his knighthood? According to the Paladins, not until he kicks his drinking habit.

A group of barbarian newcomers to the city (who, given their accent and kilts, come from the same area as Sir Angus McEwan and his half orc brothers) spent most of their time at the party sampling the local alcohol and arguing over who got to sit in the Duchess' new throne when she wasn't looking. (The winner was little Heather MacGregor.) The throne, by the way, was a gift from ex-husband Cormac Tirane but the reclusive ex was nowhere to be seen.

Unrok (who was introduced to someone a "Shalizar's husband") seemed subdued during much of the evening, and was heard to say "Be good to your women, or else they will rise up and destroy you." No further comment is necessary!

Dame Sonya spent much of the party cuddled up to Lord Morgan Blackbourne when she wasn't hiding from tiger sarr. Morgan, by the way, spent his time trying to recruit people to his new "Court." What new Court? Maybe he was expecting a new title from Alaric.

Of course, Alexi the gypsy's kidnapping had all of the gypsies who were still awake at that hour in a tizzy. Ta'waneÆ immediately set forth organizing a search party, and began by administering Purify Bloods to her group (it was New Year's Eve after all). Alexi had just that evening completed his reading and writing lessons from the Duchess, although he was overheard to say that he didn't understand why he had to take his clothes off first.

Lupiticus meanwhile was almost arrested by Sir Eridan when he ran around the Dragon's Flagon in the buff recently. After the Mystic Wood Elf was told about Ashbury's Indecent Exposure laws, he relented and put on a cloak. Given the cold weather, most onlookers just shivered and wondered how he could stand it.

Shawn MacMorna was seen recently with Kinya the gypsy doing a strange ritual which involved the drinking of blood and the calling upon the forces of Chaos. Maybe the rumors about him being the son of Mourna are true?

Rake the leopard sarr has proposed to Brynn the cheetah sarr--but apparently Rake's adopted brother Rahja may up the ante and make his own proposal soon. Poor Brynn! (Why can't I have these sorts of problems?)

Isabella Naultik has been seen resuming some of her old haunts around town and has been overheard bitterly complaining that she is innocent of all charges. She, Hamlet, Galoran and Alaric should form a choir since they always sing the same refrain.

Kylara and the ever-absent Wilhelm Neumacht are expecting a baby gypsy in March whom Kylara plans to name Patrick. Newly knighted Sir Faustus, upset that this gypsy will become the new Clan Patriarch, has vowed to perform a race change on the lad as soon as possible. ("Over my dead body!" says Kylara.)

Congratulations are in order to Ian McEwan--or maybe not. Ask Sage and Thyme. Are those two baby half orcs really his grandchildren? Raymox, meanwhile, has been giving the cubs growling lessons, which are an important part of half orc childhood I suppose.

That's all I have for this month. Thanks go to those of you who sent in your News They Don't Want You To Know. Remember, I want true stuff that people wish to remain hidden--after all, anyone can make up lies. Keep me informed, and as always, remember--If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

Letter to the Editor

Editor:

I was told that Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht was knighted during the New Year's Eve Celebration. His hard work has certainly earned him that distinction, but aren't there others doubly worthy who have been passed over due to circumstance?

I speak, of course, of Squire Ivan Drake. Never have I known a more upright and honorable man. I have fought beside him and seen him save not only my life, but that of others who traveled with us. I have witnessed his selfless efforts to better the lives of the children of the Shankar Havenwood Orphanage--efforts meeting with so much success that his enemies attacked the orphanage in an effort to undermine him. And I have been fortunate enough to call him friend.

Unfortunately, Ivan was recently a victim of circumstance, and as a result now suffers from a chaotic malady. In my eyes and those of many who know him, this affliction has not changed him or his generous heart. In the eyes of the ruling nobility, however, his condition is grounds for disregard of all the work he has done in the past, thus denying him his rightful ascension to knighthood. Never before has a man been so slighted in his quest for justice.

Interestingly enough, I am told that the biata Kelial Vardik was knighted for a single, supreme act of goodness, but one performed while his bottled spirit was held by a powerful liche. I find it interesting that such a double standard would work against someone who has time and again proven he champions the cause of right.

Can a group of rulers who overlook the tireless work of the most virtuous member of their noble class truly keep the interests of the common man in mind?

- submitted anonymously

Public Notices

NEW "POISON SHIELD" ELIXIR RECIPE for sale! Also, poems for all occassions. Love sonnets a specialty. See Turlough the Bard.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK all of those who aided us during our gypsy Spirit Meet on New Year's eve. Special thanks go to Kelial for casting the Circle of Power for us, and all those who stood as "perimeter guards" so that no one could interfere. - Ta'wane

RESEARCH DONE. Legal representation and advice. Potions and elixirs identified, scrolls read, jewelry evaluated. - Quentin Dunbury

YOU HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME. It is a matte of Life and Death. - 100 Yards

IF ANYONE has any information as to the current whereabouts of the gypsy known as Alexi, please send word to the Dragon's Flagon tavern immediately. If the information is valid, upon his recovery you will be well thanksed by the entire gypsy community. And cursed be the ones who took him, for I swear, we shall find you, and when we do, your lives will not be pleasant. - Ta'wane Varados

I DO NOT KNOW who you are. If I've lost something, please contact me in a more direct fashion. - Lord Hanson

COMING SOON: THE DRAGON'S LAIR! A new association of local guilds with everything for you adventuring types! Current guilds are encouraged to contact us in the Dragon's Flagon for more details.

WATCH YOUR BACK. - J