Queen Sidraste Awakened;  King Cured!

by Oliver Nirab

After a long winter, the adventurers of Ashbury finally undertook the journey to awaken Queen Sidraste Deeannan. The Battle Queen’s awakening has been an ongoing ordeal for some time now (see previous issues of the Ashbury Times for full details.)
On Saturday, the 7th of Dragon, the adventurers of Ashbury gathered around the Vessel of Vapors. A strange being named Rumplewink Mistkin appeared and explained the rules of the fairy realm. With that done, he opened the mists and allowed the Ashbans to pass.

Sareth “The Verse” El’Noray, the only bard present, led the way and the chanting that was required to travel to Sovereignty. He was followed closely by Shya Corak, the foremost expert on Queen Sidraste.

The adventurers soon found themselves in a large gambling hall where they were forced to play a dangerous card game called “High Man Hurt.” The loser suffered physical damage. Soon, the adventurers had defeated all the dealers and proceeded onward.

Next was the “Trial of Charms” in which the travelers were forced to pass a gauntlet of will o’ wisps who attempted to charm adventurers off the path. Several of Ashbury’s heroes were lured from the path and vanished. Further complicating these matters was a creature made of lightning that blocked the path.

Soon, however, the creature was defeated and Ashbury’s adventurers followed the path into a large city. Many of the city citizens were distraught because their mayor had left the city. Additionally, the Ashbans lured from the path during the Trial of Charms were with the townspeople who claimed the Ashbans had lived there for years. The townsfolk besieged the Ashbans to be their mayor. One of the townsfolk wailed “won’t someone be our mayor?”

Half in jest, Goodman Sareth replied, “I could give it a shot.” The words were not sooner out of his mouth when Sareth suddenly vanished and appeared upon a nearby dais. All the townsfolk cheered and rushed towards their new mayor.

Immediately Sareth began making promises as to what he would do as the mayor, including making sure the populace was fed and promising to clean up the city. “And let us start to clean the city by removing them!” Sareth exclaimed, pointing to the Ashbans. The townspeople, as welled as the beguiled Ashbans lured from the path earlier, immediately began to attack the Adventurers, led by the equally charmed Sareth.

Soon the fey were defeated and the confused Ashbans were returned to normal. Sareth again led the town in the chant and the rescuers continued on the path. They soon found themselves in a large chamber decorated with murals and tapestries of the Battle Queen’s accomplishments. Towards the front of the chamber was a large marble dais where a domed coffin rested.
The Ashbans approached the dais, repeating the chant. As they did, the coffin slowly rose, resting in an upright position. Both Shya and Sareth attempted to ascend the dais, only to be struck down by a magical bolt of lightning.  Suddenly Shya became a spirit form and approached the coffin, which opened as Queen Sidraste Deeannan emerged.

The two women spoke for a few moments, but their voices could not be heard. After apparently explaining the situation, Shya handed Her Majesty the mystic blade Validus and gestured towards the assembled Ashbans.

The two descended the dais and returned to normal form. Queen Sidraste looked to the Assembled Ashbans and reportedly said, “I’m not much for making speeches, but you have all obviously worked very hard and risked much to bring me here. I shall work just as hard to aid you.” With that, a huge cheer went up among the Ashbans. She then gave a smile and said, “I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use a drink. Where is the nearest tavern?”

As the Ashbans were preparing to depart, a thick noxious mist, which witnesses say seemed to contain “pure evil,” began to form over the dais, and slowly approach the Ashbans. The heroes quickly returned to Ashbury.

Several adventurers retired to the Dragons’ Flagon with the Queen and spoke at length with her late into the night.

According to the King’s body servants and chambermaids, at about the time the long-vanished Battle Queen appeared in the Duchy of Ashbury, His Majesty, weakened to the point where he could no longer stand, stood up with vigor and said, “It is over!” The Malday has apparently been cured, and the people of the land can rest assured of the King’s good health.
His Majesty’s first order of business was to prepare to meet with the Queen and discuss the future of Icenia.


Azura, Talin Named Baronesses

Duke Aramis Llyrr recently appointed two new Baronesses to replace the retiring Barons Olin of Nordenn and Jonathan of Blythedale. At the current time, both Olin and Jonathan remain as Lords unless someone decides to knight them.

For the Barony of Blythedale, the Duke has named Talin Gildenlily, who was squired and then knighted a day later, much in the same way as Olin was years ago. For the most part, the people of Blythedale have reacted with cheers, and she has begun organizing a household to suit her temperment. However, there are some in Blythedale who do not trust her fast ascention and rumors of her past association with pro-elf sentiment.

Dame Azura has been named to the position of Baroness of Nordenn and it is not yet known whether she will follow the tradition and take on “Nordenn” as a last name.  While for the most part, people are happy with the choice, her ascention has also caused some concern, since she had quit the Court of Nordenn months ago to join the Court of the Ash Forest.  “Where do her loyalties lie?” asked one commoner.

Some human groups have also been seen grumbling, as this places Duke Aramis as the only human noble in Ashbury (not counting retired nobles such as Dame Mara and Sir Jaret). “He’s surrounded by mee wees and biater!” screamed one Entholm farmer. “This don’t look good!”


Galanthian Emperor Visits Ashbury

The Ashbury Times is pleased to release this excerpt from the pages of “The Prophetic Vision” (Galanthia’s most prominent newspaper)

His Radiance, the beloved and cherished Galanthys IV, returned from Ashbury City in victory this past month to a glorious triumph through several northern cities.

All around him children threw flowers at his feet, as thousands of freed slaves cheered him as he personally went to various slave pens to free thousands. On his return from the North Galanthys he gave several dozens speeches revealing his glorious vision of peace in the future. He believes he is well on the road of moving Galanthia from his foreseen dark future, and in turn into a glorious new century of prosperity.

Unlike any Emperor ever before, the courageous young leader of our empire ventured far to the north into the heartland of our ancient enemies the Icenians. Accompanied by Moxis the Heartseeker, leader of the Devorra, the Emperor was granting hospitality by the Baron of the Elven Wood, Agnar Anti-tibouron.

The Baron himself acted as ambassador to Galanthia with numerous Ashban celebrities and commoners alike in attendence of this historic event. It is said that the Baron indicated that Icenia would have difficulty conducting a treaty with any country that allowed slavery or necromancy. Without any hesitation, His Radiance abolished these actions within Galanthia for all time!

Many earth scholars have complained about this, but the Swords of Lore are assuring that the streets and lands of our fair empire are kept free of necromancy in all forms.

The Emperor then assurred the Icenians that he has begun a campaign of cleansing, driving out foul necromantic creatures from his lands, and several high prophets themselves were removed from their station and executed by the orders of the Emperor for possible links to necromancy and vampirism! He further warned the Icenians that these creatures might flock to abandoned lands such as Corrhiem, which until recently was held by the traitorous Count Requin Drager.

The Emperor broached the subject of allowing expansion into the unused lands of Trellhiem, asking if Icenia intended to reconquer these wildlands — and if they aren’t currently using them, why couldn’t Galanthia stay? It is said all during these negotiations that His Radiance explained that he saw a dark future for Galanthia and his hope that repairing problems with Icenia would avert disaster for both countries.

After laying the foundation for a formal treaty, His Radiance has returned home to the respect and adoration of his people, and he has even invited several celebrities from Ashbury to join in the celebrations following the new progressive laws he is putting into place.

Before we go into the impressive personas that have joined us and move into the more frivolous past time of watching these wondrous new folks within our empire, let us take the time to inform you of the state of the slavery manumission. Slaves throughout the empire have been freed from the bonds of oppression as the Emperor has stricken age old laws, and condemnation to slavery by Glantri.

While the Devorra is clearly concerned with potentially angering Glantri by freeing those who have been placed in the slave caste, no new slaves have been created during trials and judgement by the Devorra. Thousands of slaves have begun to move northward into Corrheim looking for a better life. We love them and we shall miss them, but we respect their choice to leave Galanthia and exercise their new freedoms among the Icenians. At home, the Emperor has taken portions of his own wealth to build new houses and assign new lands for the freed slaves, embarking on a policy that he refers to as “Freedom lands”. Taking from his own personal holdings in the empire, new communities are being built, and a new future will arise from our slave caste as they are raised to the caste of the plebeians.

Many plebeians are concerned about the swelling of their caste, but several have been elevated to the rank of Patrician and given the task of serving as local leaders as the former slaves acclimate themselves to their new lives and new freedoms.
The Emperor has won the hearts of many of the lower castes, who have begun construction of several monuments dedicated to him throughout the Empire. They are calling him Galanthys the Liberator, Galanthys the Just, and Galanthys the Peacemaker. Whenever the Emperor leaves his palace he is cheered and the target of flowers and love from his people. For the first time in centuries the Delta region of western Galanthia is peaceful, as the slaves have no reason to revolt. It is clearly the beginning of a renaissance within Galanthia, no unlike the time immediately after Glantri’s great curses against Lempur, the Vacarans, and Icenians.

Coming from the north we had three Ashban ambassadors of good will arrive. Lady Azrael Vardik and Guildmistress Shya Corak travelled south to meet with the high prophets and members of the Devorra. They were the center of attention of dozens of social functions, and were never far from the Emperor’s side. A massive amount of curiosity has generated over their mysterious race called the biata. It is unknown exactly what the biata are, but they are clearly a powerful race of earth attuned beings with a penchant for secrecy. Lady Azrael was wearing maroon tones, and many young women have taken to learning the two handed sword. It’s become the rage in patrician families, and many young children have started sticking feathers to their faces and calling themselves Vardik. One unfortunately low prophet screamed from a streetside that Lady Azrael had madness in her eyes and that she was actually a shark of some sort come on land to feast on the living. The unfortunate prophet was hauled away to the Shrine of Glantri for judgement after insulting an ambassadorial emissary.

Guildmistress Shya Corak was the toast of the social scene, especially once it was discovered that she bore the sword of recently waken Queen Sidraste. Even among the Galanthian people the Lady of Blades is known, and heralded as one of the greatest leaders of our continent. Guildmistress Shya was pursued by several young men who were attempting to win her hand in marriage, but Shya gently rebuked them when they attempted to win her favor. Guildmistress Shya was given a tour of the wondrous Shrine of Glantri by Moxis the Heartseeker, and is rumored to have even stood within the great libraries and inspected the halls of truth.

The strangest of the emissaries was in fact an expatriate of Galanthia named Yalenus Veler. His blue hair has sparked an amazing rage among certain social groups, and blue hair is now the latest fashion among the trendy. This somewhat quiet young man has apparently become a close confident of the Emperor himself and there is even rumor of him being posted as an intermediary between the Empire and the Kingdom of Icenia. He seems to have an in-depth understanding of the future and prophecy, and it is suspected that he may in fact be a prophet himself. Too humble to claim his birthright at this time apparently, the young man said several things about fish at one feast and fishermen have been complaining for weeks about a lack of catching fish off the coast of Galanthia Majora! Where once enormous bayfish once spawned, there seem to be a complete lack in the recent months, as if some great predator lurked off the shore and gobbled them all up!

In conclusion, all of Galanthia is proud of the work His Radiance has accomplished and will support him in his every endeavor as he brings Galanthia into the new century. Long live the Emperor!


Civil War in Amisara Worsens

Tensions in Amisara have been rising ever since the ascension of Prataxis I to Emporer of Amisara late last year. Traditionally, Amisara has been ruled by a High Council which consisted of the heads of Healers’ Guilds from each major city; that High Council was itself ruled by a male and a female leader elected from the Council. Yet many Amisarans felt that this arrangement was antiquated, and that a more streamlined and effective form of government should be put into place. To that end, Elegus Prataxis, former head of the High Council, stepped up and offered to take the reins of the prosperous country.

“The citizens felt like a change in government was necessary to effect a change in outlook,” Prataxis stated. “Our country was stagnating because of weak leadership. That a High Council member has been viciously slain in living memory shows how lawless things have become. We need change if we are to grow stronger, and drastic measures were needed.”

But critics of Prataxis say that his rise to power was less of a response to the people’s needs than a hostile coup. Many believe that the death of his fellow High Council leader Liokadia, an event which occurred several years ago and sparked a major review and overhaul of the Amisaran government, was not a random act of violence, but was instead planned by proponents of the new government. Lauran Cielerus, former member of the High Council and leader of a group known as the Five Suns, a band of seventy-five soldiers, has worked tirelessly to oppose Prataxis’ rule. “At first we protested peacefully, but when it became apparent that even the most peaceful dissent would be met with violence, we launched an open attack,” she explained.

Her group and others like it have waged constant wars against Prataxis’ stable strongholds in most of the major Amisaran cities; although the Emporer is easily able to keep power in the cities, the countryside is dominated by nomadic splinter groups. The rebels have caused damage to many Amisaran roadways and ports in an attempt to damage the country’s booming export trade.

Most troublesome, however, is the fact that the skirmish fighting, strongest around the border areas, has spilled into Brittington. Refugees, particularly women, entering Icenia for protection have been chased and executed by Imperial soldiers; in one instance, a local man was also attacked for caring for a refugee and her daughter.

Prataxis I reportedly offered an official apology to the citizen’s family and to the Duke of Brittington, who released this statement: “ I am moving troops to our shared border, and those craven scum who would make war against women and children will feel the wrath of Brittington’s assembled might. We open our borders to all who would live in peace, and share in the Glory of Icenia. Violate our lands at the peril of your regime.” 



Mages Restore Magic Storm Spell

by Guildsman Cedric Fruvous

It was mid afternoon on the 7th of Dragon when Senior Guildsman Saja informed me that Magic Storm spells had stopped working for reasons unknown. Lacking proper resources and information to address the matter at that time I kept my eyes and ears open for a possible solution. It was not long in coming.

Later in the day a farmer came into town angry at the Mage’s Guild because a magic storm had destroyed his herd of cows. Thinking, at first, that he referred to Penthantos’ Gaffe, I began to explain my research on the storm. The man quickly pointed out that the storm was much larger than the famed Gaffe, and rained magic storms, not fire.

I informed Saja of the situation, and he gathered his adventuring companions and Xamot Darkmoon and we had the farmer show us where the cloud was. The farmer explained that in the center of the story was a calm, where magic storms did not rain. As we got closer to the storm it began to rain magic storms on us.

We could see a figure in the middle of the storm, and hear the faint music of a recorder. Via the clever use of Mitguard’s Forceful Imprisonment (applied by Saja I believe,) wewere able to make our way to the center of the storm.

Once there we found an elf playing a recorder with a length of pink rope next to him. He claimed the storm came up around him and every time he tried to leave he was assailed with magic storms. Apparently he could make the rope dance when he played his recorder. When asked, he admitted that he could make the rope ascend to the cloud. He said he would let us climb up for a silver piece per head. Xamot and I climbed up and scouted the area. As we climbed we heard banging and people giving orders about where to aim the cloud.

When we arrived on the cloud, we found we were able to walk on it. As be advanced we found what appeared to be four elves, though two of them had claws (the other two appeared to be casters.) Xamot and I were immediately greeted by hostility, and ordered to leave “their” cloud. When we did not move fast enough for their liking, they began to cast lightning at us.

We climbed down and told the others what had occurred. We marshaled our forces, paid the piper to keep playing until we returned and climbed the rope. Once there the elves insisted we leave but we refused. The fighting was intense and difficult, but we were successful. I examined the creatures bodies and they appeared to be identical to elves, except for their claws.

Xamot discovered a bottle stuck in the clouds, he pulled it out and the clouds began to visibly weaken. We quickly climbed down the rope. Once at the bottom the cloud quickly dissipated, and the raining magic storms with it

The elven piper thanked us, gathered his rope and began to walk away, claiming he was going to eat. After only a few steps, however, he rifted out.

Magic storms have been returned, but we have no idea who or what commandeered them or why. It was obvious that the piper was in league with the elves in the clouds, but again we have more questions than answers.

We shall, of course, be attentive of other clues on this matter.



Farmer Saved by Dark Elves

Recently, a badly bleeding farmer named Timothy came into town looking for help at his farm. Upon spotting Marrek Fitzcairn, Timothy told him that his farm was being attacked by large, red snakemen and that another dark elf was fighting them.  Marrek quickly gathered Taji, Jaquari, Mia, Nym and Lord Find’rth and the group ran to the farm. Upon arriving, several naga were found and dispatched in a heated battle.  Bloody clothes were found and the naga bragged before their deaths that they had eaten the dark elf they had been fighting. At this time, the dark elf’s identity is unknown, but the naga seemed to be specifically hunting him. 



Dur Namarie Attacks

The Dur Namarie assaults upon Imladar have resumed with the end of winter.  It seems that even the foul Dur Namarie elves do not like to conduct battles in the snow.  Any and all aid to Imladar from outside forces has been refused at this time. Though there has been no official statement from Queen Celwen, High Lord Gilthalion and High Lord Valdorian seem optimistic that Imladar can prevail against the incredible numbers of the Dur Namarie armies. 



Letters

To the people of Ashbury:

You cannot know how much pleasure I take in simple things like seeing the sun come up each morning; I realize that I am again in Icenia, and remember every day how much I love her. Things have changed greatly since I last ruled, but this country remains beautiful, and her people are stronger and more resourceful than ever. I give my humble thanks to all of you who fought to bring me home.

Sidraste Deeanan
 

Congratulations Baroness Talin Gildenlily ( I would spell your full name but alas I never had the time to learn how to spell it correctly so will not mutilate with ignorance). I know all of Blythedale will have a capable leader. I encourage all citizens to support you in your ascendancy to higher rank and greater duties. I still call Blythedale my home and am proud to have you as the Liege Lord of my home.

Lord Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik
 

An open letter to the people of Ashbury and Icenia from Lord Find’rth T’Varian of House Ryujima of Tarzaterranzan:

You may or may not be aware that my house has recently been appointed as the official representatives of Tarzaterranzan to the surface and the races there upon.  Any and all official dealings shall come through me. Official meetings may be set up through Seneschal Inari T’Varian.  More informal questions or concerns may be brought to my attention when I am in Ashbury City.
As a visiting noble of another land, I will expect my title to be used in addressing me.  We are much more formal in our lands than in Ashbury and we feel it shows great disrespect not to use titles. The same courtesy will always be extended by my house to the nobles of Icenia, to guildmistresses and guildmasters, to military personnel, etc.

May the darkness hold only allies,
Lord Find’rth T’Varian



A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D’Onym

I can’t be everywhere at once you know.  If you don’t write to me and let me know what the latest gossip is in town, how can I give you a column full of the News They Don’t Want You To Know?  I can’t do it all by myself!  Dear me!
Well, here is what I have this month:

It seems Lord Frost of Niman has been spending a large amount of his time with his royal majesty, King Gareth. The noble formerly of Niman and his wife Lady Dara must have impressed the King greatly, as he has been named a royal knight of Icenia!

It seems that Shya’s husband has come out of the woodwork recently. Who even knew she was married? His name is Leto. Shya may have to keep a close eye on him though. Seems he got into trouble almost immediately when he decided to play a trick on the newly appointed Baroness Azura. He later found himself surrounded by Sir Eros and other newly appointed Baroness Talin and was forced to apologize to Azura. I’m sure he won’t make that mistake again!

The Order of the Unlidded Eye might want to be more careful who they contact to get aid. One Order member was seen whispering to Baron Agnar, and then the Baron yelled out “Hey, does anyone know how to pick locks? This person needs someone to help him.” So much for that secret mission.

That’s all for this issue! Remember — if you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me. 


Public Notices

PARTY! Friday night the 4th of the Hawk, in the Dragon’s Flagon. Starting at 8 pm! Food and drink contributions welcome! Sponsored by the Sage’s Guild.

BARONESS TALIN GILDENLILY: Congratulations upon your ascension to the peerage. May your reign as baroness be long and fruitful. - High Lord Gilthalion Thantellin

IF YOU WANT to exchange your components and scrolls for coins, come to the Mage’s Guild. We buy all Celestial scrolls, ritual scrolls, components, and magic items.

I WANT TO PUBLICLY THANK our Bard who did a wonderful job on our jouney through the Mists. Thank you, Sareth. - Shya

LOOKING FOR spell channeling, spell store scrolls and components, also looking for the primary component for the permanence ritual, contact Sparticous or one of the Black Unicorns.

SEEKING THE HANDLER: I recieved your message and would like to speak to you. You are safe with me. I will be in the area where we firsst met, you know where to find me - Anomyous.

THOSE INTERESTED in joining FOIL beware: We are watching.

WANTED TO BUY: Arms and armor, potions and maps. Please contact Baroness Talin Gildenlily of Blythedale.

AZURA, my little one, I don’t know what this knighting and baronessing entails, but I’m sure you deserve it and will do well.  Is there going to be a party? - Eppaticus

MAGIC ITEMS! Armor! Scrolls! Potions! Elixirs! Gasses! Weapons! Components! Ritual scrolls! Horses! All adventuring supplies are available at Lord Roldo’s Imports! Trade-ins accepted. Open every Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm, next to the Sage’s Guild, upstairs from the Dragon’s Flagon.

TO THOSE WHO HELPED me get the Ice Shard: Thank you for your assistance-The Purple Mage

REWARD FOR INFORMATION. Help put criminals where they belong. All sources kept confidential, all rewards distributed quietly. You have my word as a noble to His Grace. See Lord Magistrate Eros for details. Reward relative to worth of information.

TO THE MAGE CALLED STAR: Please contact me.  - Baroness Talin Gildenlily

WANTED:  One or more golems, preferably mercury, for romantic getaway.  Straw or mud golems need not apply. Please respond to “Lonely Clown” c/o the Ashbury Times.

DAGOREDIL: If the forest allows you time, I would be pleased to see your muddy face in the Dragon’s Flagon. It has been far too long since we have spoken. Elen sila lumenn omentielvo. Wenedhil

IF YOU HAVE SEEN  the fire cloud known as Penthantos’ Gaffe and Ator’s Gaffe in the last moon or so, please send word of it’s position to Cedric Fruvous care of the Ashbury Sage’s Guild. Thank You.

THE SAGE’S GUILD: More than just reading! The Sage’s Guild offers more than just research for hire and an extensive library. We offer the following goods and services: Armorsmithing, potion creation, celestial and earth magics, gas globe creation, alchemical books, weapon training, trap disarming and creating skills we also buy and sell scrolls and potions. So even if you aren’t a sage, we undoubtedly will be able to help you find what you want. – Ashbury Sage’s Guild

JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). Contact Teril Belayson, Belayson’s Honey Farm, Elindil