Death of Amani Council Elder Leaves Wold Vacancy

Lord Orodreth Wode of Nymphwood, an Elder of the Amani Council, passed away in his sleep on New Years Day. According to Mother Miriel Alder of the Stonedale Healers' Guild, Lord Wode died abruptly of causes unknown, although an investigation conducted by Captain Thalion of the Rangers unearthed no evidence of foul play. Miriel expressed regret that Wode's spirit was not able to join the Spirit Tree, but she promised to bury him in the Spirit Tombs with full honors as befits a elf of his station.

Belonging to the most renown merchant House in the Forest, Lord Wode will long be remembered for his tireless efforts to promote trade, for he was the first Elder to advocate the export of Asitikir mushrooms and other elven delicacies to Ashbury. Lord Gwindor Greyhame, most senior member of the Amani Council, decreed January 31, the date of his funeral, to be a day of mourning.

Lord Wode's untimely death leaves a vacancy in the Council. After soliciting nominations from all the village councils, the Elders have selected two candidates whose exemplary wisdom and courage mark them as worthy for the final vote: Elena Tir'Intorilaian of Kiri-Ashton and Eriol "One Who Dreams Alone" of Eldor. Elena comes from one of the most venerable noble houses which traces its descent all the way back to Nimue of immemorial fame. She is a scholar of cosmopolitan tastes, whose monograph on the holidays of Ashbury is widely considered the last word on the subject.

"Lady Elena is the best qualified elf for the job. . .period," Elder Nimbrethil Teragram was overheard saying. Lord Gwindor has also expressed his approval of the candidate.

In a move that surprised all the pundits, the Council approved Eriol's candidacy despite his wild elven heritage, and if he goes on to win the election, Eriol would be the first wild elf to sit on the Council. Eriol is the former shaman of the Rabbit tribe who left his vocation to pursue magical studies in Willow's Grove, became village elder of Eldor upon his graduation, and spent his tenure working tirelessly to improve relations between the two elven kindreds.

"The wild elves lived in this Forest long before we came. It's time they had a hand in the governance of their homeland," stated Elder Aerandir Moonstone.

Baroness Laurelin Goldsong has yet to exercise her prerogative to nominate a third candidate, though rumors are flying that Sir Konrad Valinor is a favored choice. Lord Gwindor has instructed the Elders to cast their ballots on April 1, giving the candidates plenty of time to gear up their election campaigns in what promises to be a hotly contested race.

In other news in the Ash Forest, Taredhel en Gwathtaur ("He Who Stands High in the Shadow Wood"), a convicted necromancer reportedly in league with the Unseelie Court, was killed while attempting to escape prison in Tir'Kanir. Taredhel is a shaman of the Owl Tribe who in the past has denounced the Amani as "oppressors who stole our land." Since he did not resurrect nearby, we can presume this dangerous criminal is now at large.

Another notorious criminal, former Entholm Mayor Valerius Geist, was Obliterated for committing Necromancy, Conspiracy, Treason, Slander, and Murder. He did not die his final death and could not be reached for comment.


Duchess Appoints Sonya as Court Chancellor

Duchess Mara recently announced that she would be appointing Dame Sonya Dawntreader to be Court Chancellor.

The position of Court Chancellor, as defined by the Duchess, is one of administration and organization of the Ducal household. She will help keep things running smoothly and will act as a screening device to make sure Her Grace is not bothered with minor details.

The Chancellor has the power to act as the Duchess' voice but cannot issue orders to the barons or the paladins on her own authority. She will be able to relay orders from the Duchess.

As a Ducal knight, Dame Sonya already has the power to dispense justice in Ashbury, but she has in the past always shown restraint and deferred to the Magistrate as is proper.


Masked Bandits Attack

On the evening of January 25, the town of Waterwood was attacked by a large band of masked marauders. Several of the town's citizens took refuge in their homes, but 15 people died in the attack, including 3 permanent deaths.

Eyewitness reports say that the attack seemed nothing more than a senseless killing spree. There were scattered reports of theft, arson and vandalism, but the main objective of the band seemed to be mass homicide.

After some initial confusion, the town guard and several Ash Forest Ranfers were able to chase out the invading force. The Rangers were able to kill three of the masked killers, but did not have enough time to identify them before they were resurrected. One of the slain was identified as a dark elven male missing one eye.


Magistrate's Report

By Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht

At long last I tried the gypsy Dax for Murder and Robbery. On the evening of September 23, 594, then-Guardsman Truxton witnessed Dax slay a downed human, Duncan Doolittle by name. It was after a battle with the faceless "helots" from the Pale, so I discounted that the act might have been accidental. Truxton confronted Dax, who had looted the body and was walking away. Dax ignored Truxton's entreaties, wordlessly returning Duncan's money and simply wandering off. Truxton then dragged the body to the Healers' Guild to be Lifed. Yet according to Dax's story, he had found Duncan lying unconscious, not even bleeding to death, when Truxton confronted him. Clearly someone was lying.

Questioning revealed that Baron Bryan had Lifed Duncan, thereby corroborating Truxton's testimony and contradicting Dax's story that the man had been merely unconscious. This was a prime factor in establishing Dax's guilt. I sentenced Dax to death and an eight gold fine, half to go to Duncan, yet the Baron intervened. He officially questioned my judgement, referring the case directly to my liege, the Duchess, for a final decision. Naturally, if Her Grace overturns my decision, I shall regretfully resign, as is customary.

Yet it seems even Baron Bryan admits that Dax deserves some punishment, merely disagreeing with the sentence of death. He wishes Her Grace to remove the law requiring a death sentence for Murder. Alas, even though the Baron has long sought such a change, I know there will be those who wrongly see his actions as merely political--that is, supporting a member of his court, namely Dax. Before such spurious rumors of nobles interfering in commoner justice surface, I would like to publicly refute them; such is not the case here.

I see Dax's Case (595 ASH 13) as independent of any ex post facto changes to the law. Though I have the greatest respect for Baron Bryan, I have ruled on the matter, and shall not change my sentence. I am confident that I am doing the right thing in this case, regardless of the matter's political sensitivity. This is a clear instance where the perpetrator was caught in the act, it was Murder, and I stand by my ruling. Hopefully, by next month the Duchess will resolve this legal crisis and justice will be done.


A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D'Onym

Since Cleo Smith has not been seen around these parts for some time, the gracious editor Eric Woolcott has hired me to try to fill her shoes with a periodic column covering that naughty news that you weren't meant to know.

In order for this column to be successful, I need your help and contributions! Remember that I want truth here--anyone can make up stuff.

Let's get started, shall we?

Dax the gypsy has his hands full trying to stay one step ahead of Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht, doesn't he? He has help though in the form of Baron Bryan who, during the trial, commented that "if killing a person accidentially in the dark is a crime, then you'll have to try me five times over." Not exactly a strong defense, I'd say. At least, I've never heard Quentin use it--but if anyone knows how to get out of being convicted, it's Bryan. Quentin, by the way, was defending Dax but left in the middle of the trial because Dax wouldn't take his lawyer's advice and just shut up.

Sir Konrad, meanwhile, showed an understanding of the law second only to Baron Bryan when he stated that there was no such crime as manslaughter. Ah well, perhaps all that time he's been spending with recently appointed Ash Forest Squire Kittery Ann Holindarn has not left him time for his studies.

Rowell Ka'taan has been appointed as the local representative of the Myrr Embassy. He had to give up his squirehood to Sir Thyren to get it. His title is not ambassador of course--only females hold any power in sarrland.

Let's hope Gadlen Chimeran stays far away from the embassy--his recent deal with a local farmer allowing the farmer to grow peppermint in the hobling's huge beard certainly will stir up feelings among the sarr.

Speaking of squires, bets are on as to how long Vassa Thrommel keeps that title after the Duchess has words with Sir Aloryn. By the way, in case you didn't notice, Sir Aloryn and "Gimme dem happy feet" Hanson have aged a year or so since spending a few minutes in Feyland. Fortunately, the experience didn't seem to affect them in the way it did Sir Hieronymous.

Meanwhile, Baron Thomas' new squire Ivan Drake has been putting all his spare time and cash into the Heavenwood Orphanage. He has been seen often in the Dragon's Flagon attempting to get local merchants to take some of the older orphans on as apprentices. His pal Grandin Lamoore has been spending his afternoons trying to teach the little beggars to read and write. Say, are these two trying for paladinhood or what?

Local merchant Shankar Vorg was recently overheard telling some adventurers that no matter what they wanted, he could get it for them--for a price. What a businessman!

Ohhg the half ogre looked very strange last time he was in town. I guess visiting the Registrar had something to do with his. . . otherworldly appearance. Then again, what do I know? He's the only half ogre I've ever seen.

Speaking of original looking people, Manx, Templeton, and Kiegan have been banned from the Ash Forest (again?) for various crimes of which they apparently paid little penalty much to Baroness Laurelin's dismay. Manx appeared in the Dragon's Flagon after their trial and said she was "a spy" but we're not sure if that has anything to do with the flashing symbol we noticed on her hand at the New Year's party.

I understand that the Wold may actually accept a wild elf onto their council. Wild elf extremist Jonah Purus has yet to make a comment about this--perhaps because he's so busy complaining about how the amani stole his people's land so many many years ago. Yeah, yeah, blah blah blah. I know it's not long by elven standards, but hey, get over it.

I have heard that Sorceress Shalizar is none too happy with her two Senior Guildsmen Justice and Morlox. It seems that almost as soon as they were appointed to the position, both rushed out and learned how to use a polearm. Imagine wasting all that time learning a weapon when they could have learned a few more levels of celestial magic! Unthinkable. Now if Shalizar could only figure out who keeps sending her those love notes. It can't be Unrok--he can't even read.

Hey , did you notice how absolutely friendly ex-Dame Regina Mason has been lately?

Goodbye to Elionic. He took his permanent death after being assassinated in the Nordenn Manor House. Killed along with him were Lady Talia, Squire Nicademus, and Derek Dreamweaver. The culprit still hasn't been found, but Petal is the main suspect.

Well, that's it for this edition. I hope to return next month with even more secrets to share. Keep those cards and letters coming!


Public Notices

IF THE CITIZEN whom I accidently Lightning-Stormed during the battle with Fangthorn will present himself to me, I will gladly recompense him for the loss of his Spell Sheild, with my apologies. I'm sorry I mistook you for a war troll. - Duchess Mara.

WIZARD OF DREAMS: I await your quest. Your champion, Bryan Nordenn.

WANTED: Mobile adventuring groups of at least six to conduct hourly rounds by the Ashbury Mages' Guild in return for a Ward spell. Dependability is most important. Contact Sorceress Shalizar for more information by March 30th.

I AM STILL teaching the art of First Aid for free. First Aid is a real life saver. - Maximus.

CAMILLA: You should know that your life is still in danger, as revenge has not been fully enacted. Anyone traveling with you will be in danger, too. - your enemies in the west.

NECROMANTIC ITEMS PURCHASED for disposal. Why give these magic items away when you can deem them in for cash? Items will be removed from Evendarr. See Rowell Ka'taan.

MORLOX: Thank you for watching my back. I won't forget it.

THE FOLLOWING ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD members must contact Sorceress Shalizar in person or writing by March 30, 595 or be considered suspended: Ariel, Jantos Avatar, Mathis Beornstanas, Crimdor, Ilrick, Peter Ivonovich, Roctor Klionasgath, Marshak, Caliandros Morcana, Tatsu Maki Norowaresaino, Slaransia Silverwood, Thorm, Trestin, Tatiana Verakoznie, and Vishulaun.

HAS ANYONE NOTICED that Trellheim has made enemies of every evil persona? You boys are doing a fine job.

HEAR YE HEAR YE! The Shield of Vendamor will be accepting new wedges in the spring of 595 for the position of healer. All are welcome to apply. Please talk with myself or with Regeant Deven Du'Leges about traveling with us in the spring. - Quizat Dellwyn Thornbleeder

CHESSMASTER: I had your riddle solved after the first clue. Unfortunately, I couldn't stick around to accept my prize. I will win any game you can devise. - Hanson.

WE CAN MAKE YOU RICH! The Ashbury branch of the Avalon Trading Company is looking for junior partners, security experts, and ship captains. Prior experience a must! Please inquire with Shankar Vorg, Senior Partner.

SIR ALORYN: I wish we could have met while you were in Ravenholt. It seemed that the trouble we went through was in vain. - The Black King.

THE TOWN GUARD ARE LOOKING FOR a few good men. Contact Sheriff Truxton.

WANTED: RED CARBUNKLE. Stolen from the King's coffers. Large jewel is a favorite of His Majesty. Contact the Royal Army. Reward.

CLEO: Thank you very much for helping me with my task - Justice.

ASHBURY REGISTRY OF TEACHERS. Referrrals for a wide range of skills. Discretion assured. Teachers: get students without spending all your time recruiting. See Prof. Turlough Kuranes to register.

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following promotion to Senior Guildsman: Faustus Neumacht, Ducal Court