The Ashbury Times, April 2005

Icenia and Moorgrave Defeat Glenrake

The day of March 13th, 605 will long be remembered as the day the citadel of necromancy in Glenrake was toppled by the good people of Icenia and Moorgrave. What follows is a brief accounting of some of the major exploits of the elite of Ashbury that led up to this historic event.

Late on the evening of Friday March 11th, Ashban nobles and adventurers alike arrived at a military encampment in the estate of Hewitt in Romwing, Brittington. Once there, the volunteers reported to the Ducal Headquarters, signed in and were issued military papers. The Ashbans were informed that they were to carry their papers at all times and they were required to present them upon demand to any officer, noble or soldier on guard duty. Once signed up, they were invested in warded barracks by either Sir Indorian Silverleaf or Sir Duncan Pinkerton.

Soon after, Duke Sir Frost Vardik and Baroness Mathilda Romwing called all the adventurers together in the camp’s mess hall to avoid the elements on the snowy and dark evening. His Grace gave a brief speech to the assemblage, citing what was expected of them. Introductions were also made of the Romwing nobles present, including the baroness, Sir Duncan and Dame Nessa Macdaid.

The Ashbans were soon sent upon their first mission.The forces of Jonathan Phantom-heart, the “Baron” of Coleby and a liche, had surrounded two ducal Phalanxes; “Red Feather” and “Black Feather” of the legion “The Griffin’s Claw”. The phalanxes had been holed up in the small hamlet of Foy for several days and were running short on supplies. After a fierce battle upon a bridge leading into the town, the Ashbans were able to defeat Phantomheart and two of his “knights”, “Sir” Tyrus Apparition and “Dame” Regina Quietus.

The next day, the “Baron” of Lesser Coleby, Roric de Haunt, and his knights, “Sir” Gunther Phantom and “Dame” Ankhara Blood-spine, had gathered a strong force and were preparing to attack the flank of one of the ducal phalanxes already engaged in battle. Duke Frost assigned the Ashban Elite to cut Lesser Coleby off at the pass and keep them from crushing the ducal army. The battle was joined in a clearing in the forest and Roric and his minions were cut down to the last man.

Saturday evening, “Sir” Edward Killing-bone and “Sir” Harold Nighthaunt, the rebel “knights” of Reynath in Moorgrave, had massed a force of powerful undead near the border of Hewitt in anticipation of an invasion upon the estate of Masterson. The Ashbury elite were tasked with attacking and destroying this force and stopping the invasion before it could start.

On their way there, the came upon a man claiming to be a local resident who was spying on the undead. He could not produce the proper papers and was sent home by Regent Sir DuGaul of Blythedale. The Ashbans soon after set upon the Reynath forces, where the same man was now undead and fighting with the Moorgrave rebels.

Despite the chicanery, the Ashbans efficiently defeated this force and thwarted the invasion.

Later that same evening, a Glenrake operative infiltrated the ducal camp and created a Vault of the Bloodless out of an empty supply building on the edge of the camp. Ashbury spies had discovered that the vault could be destroyed by a single destroy magic ritual. Duke Frost tasked Sir Rorii of the Ash Forest with this and also provided the scroll and components to cast the ritual.

Throught the evening, undead rose from the Vault and attacked. The next morning, Sir Rorii led the Ashbans on the mission to destroy the vault. Several casters created a circle of power around the building and began the ritual. At this time, “Colonel” Angus Deathgroom and another unidentified undead death rogue attacked in an attempt to foil the ritual. They went as far as to ward an empty building on the outskirts of the camp. Several people held off this diversion, including Joshua the Mystic Wood Elf and “Iron Man” Cedric Fruvous. Deathgroom immediately regenerated several times to continue to harass the Ashbans, but was defeated each time.

The powerful undead, after taunting the Ashbans and calling them stupid, actually killed himself by activing necromantic items in an attempt to heal himself, having forgotten that his undead form was under the effects of a “Reverse Metabolism” ritual and was harmed by necromancy. The ritual to destroy the vault was successful and the building returned its ordinary state.

About an hour past noon, Duke Frost gathered the brave Ashbans and announced that he would lead them upon an assault upon the very citadel of necromancy, Castle Glenmoor. Baroness Romwing and Duke Rogan Exeter of Moorgrave were present for the historic assault as well. The force quickly mounted horses from the ducal army to cover the fifty or so miles to Glenmoor as fast as possible.

By the time the Ashbans arrived, a large siege force of the Ducal armies of Ashbury and Moorgrave already surrounded Castle Glenmoor. Several poweful catapults and trebuchets had already breached parts of the outer walls, while Glenrake troops were arriving in sorties to battle the Ducal troops. Other Glenrake forces were already on their way to reinforce “Duke” Eddard Lichegate and the Ducal forces were preparing for them. It was up to the Ashbans to take the castle before the reinforcements could arrive and break the siege.

The Ashbans passed through the broken outer walls and onto the main causeway up the mountain to the castle. This causeway is the only way into or out of Castle Glenmoor. At the top of the causeway, the Ashbans faced their first test. An undead force waited outside a huge portcullis and gave battle while Glenrake nobles jeered from atop the battlements. Once the outer force was defeated, the heavy portcullis was lifted by Squire Gabriel and Cedric, both in golems, Duke Frost and several others.

The Ashbans stormed inside the castle proper. Duke Frost gave quick orders to disable the portcullis and spike it open. Inside, fierce fighting began as the Glenrake “nobles appeared”, steadfast in their resolve to make their last stand. These included “Sir” Douglas Lichegate, son of the duke; “Dame” Sonja Wraitheborne, ducal “knight” and betrothed of Douglas, Regina Quietus, Gunther Phantom, Tyrus Apparition and, of course, “Duke” Eddard Lichegate.

That battle was fierce and deadly. Sparticous and Koshi were engulfed by Lichegate, whose undead form was a barrow lord. Both ressurected. Duke Frost, along with Regent Du’Gaul, Air Raaksa and Morgan managed to get into the keep and destroy the Circle of Power within. This was accomplished with the aid of Queen Celwen of Imladar, who had put a channel ritual upon Duke Frost’s sword that allowed him to destroy magic through his weapon.

The circle was linked to the very spirit of Eddard Lichegate and made him “immortal.” While the circle stood, his spirit was not weakened after he died. The circle’s link to his spirit also made him unable to leave castle Glenmoor. But once the circle was destroyed, his spirit began to weaken with each death taken. Lichegate fought to his permanent death. Many of his minions also had their spirits incredibly weakened, though most of the escaped permanent death.

The Ashbans then held fast and fought the remaining minions until reinforcements arrived from the Ducal troops. Once the banners of Moorgrave, Ashbury and Romwing were raised high upon the battlements, the morale of the Glenrake reinforcements broke and they fled, many being run down and destroyed by the combine forces of Icenia and Moorgrave.

The next day, back at the ducal encampment, Duke Frost held a ceremony honoring the valour of all who attended his call to arms. Several individuals and groups were also honored.

The Black Unicorns were recognized for their valor and bravery and given the duke’s personal shield, made specifically for the campaign against Glenrake.

Garuda the High Ogre was given the duke’s personal sword, also made for the campaign.

Sparticous of the Black Unicorns was inducted into the “Order of the Gryphon,” a ducal award given for particularly noteworthy bravery and valour in times of war.

The group “No Code” was also awarded the “Order of the Gryphon” as a group for their actions during the campaign. Last but not least, Sir Harrison awarded his shield to Sir Rorii with instructions that he allow it to be used by good and noble people throughout the lands.

Duke Frost along with some of his court remains in Glenrake with several phalanxes of the ducal army to aid in the reconstruction and hopeful redemption of the lands and people. Duke Frost and his court are expected back midway through April, though how long ducal troops will stay there remains to be seen.

Baron Morgassander Resigns

In a meeting with the nobles and squires present, along with any others that wished to attend, Duke Sir Frost Vardik announced that Morgassander has resigned from being the Baron of Nordenn and a knight of Icenia. He has done this with Duke Frost’s blessing and goodwill.

It seems that Morgassander has recently found that his family still lives. It had been previously believed that his entire race was destroyed by the Kanoredhil. He has decided to attend his family in Faerie, as the Seelie Fey are in their greatest time of need.

Squire Glorianna was visibly shaken by this announcement and many were saddened by this news, though happy for the much beloved Morgassander.

Duke Frost himself has taken on the mantle of Regent of Nordenn and will lead that barony until a suitable replacement is found. That eventual replacement will have big shoes to fill indeed.

Second Brotherhood Plague Defeated

While in Hewitt answering His Grace’s call to arms against Glenrake, the Ashban adventurers proved again that their devotion to defeating evil by stopping the Second Brotherhood Plague in as many years.

The Ashbans began noticing strange, vicious zombies slipping into the Hewitt camp. These zombies had glowing yellow eyes and unlike the shambling, easy to defeat zombies that are customary, these were wild, strong, and possessed an animal cunning. They were additionally able to infect downed victims, immediately transforming them into these creatures. This infectious plague was capable of spreading exponentially.

Ex-Sickness King Pedratos was able to provide some information to the Adventurers while he was spreading news and teaching of the easier casting of the Restore and Cure Disease spells.

He told them that while he was the King of Sickness, a brotherhood founder named Tharsis had stolen this plague from him – and Pedratos knew of some weaknesses to the plague. He told those adventurers gathered that a Cure Disease or Purify spell would be destroy the zombies, and stop the infection in those infected. He also warned adventurers that they should be on the lookout for a huge mound of corpses – which would be the source of this plague.

Pedratos was also seen asking every elf in Hewitt, including those from beyond the mists, if they had heard of a tribe of elves called the Leafspeakers – no one had. Apparently, this is the tribe of elves that Pedratos was from before he was cursed into being Yech, the King of Sickness for an undeterminable length of time.

It turned out that the Ashban scouting missions to find the mound were not successful; however the mound of corpses found the Hewitt encampment all the same.

An hour or so after midnight on Saturday night, the mound of corpses came rolling into Hewitt. It was huge, and seemed to take on minimal damage from the mightiest swings.

The center mass of the mound continued to regenerate. It spat out portions of itself that wrapped around people and prevented them from moving, then rolled right over them engulfing them into its mass.

Visiting Healer’s Guildmistress Keeley and Ashban Local Mace were swallowed and forced to resurrect during the battle.

The center mass of the mound spawned infectious zombies continually, and alternately channeled disease and death effects, as well as bursting arcane death magics.

As the battle raged on, more and more pockets of adventurers joined the fray, leaving the protection of their wards to help destroy this foul abomination and bolster the ranks of the heroic people who initially attacked it. Though the adventurers tried to muster up an organized defense under the leadership of Sir Harrison, the center mass of the creature rolled through the lines of defense snapping them like a twig – and it ended up that unorganized guerrilla attacks were more successful in defeating the creature.

Celestial casters Varen of Caldaria, Sion the Sarr, and Cedric “The Iron Sage” seemed to do the most damage to the creature, though notably Pathan and Spartacous of the Black Unicorns, and visiting Gypsy turned Mystic Wood Elf Joshua were seen to smash the center section with mighty blows.

Air Raaksa was also seen healing fallen adventurers and crushing infectious zombies. A newer and less powerful adventuring group that calls itself “No Code” (consisting of Malachi, Analia, Damien, Dargon, and Thermos, and rumored to call itself this because they feel that even with “No Code” of Chivalry to follow, they will do what good they can) also joined the battle with no compunction for their own safety.

Their entire group was awakened by the shouts from outside and the sounds of battle; they donned their armor and with weapon and spell helped to defeat the menace.

His Grace Duke Sir Frost awarded their entire team the medal of the Order of the Gryphon for their selfless actions. Many other adventurers too numerous to mention were able to assist in defeating the creature, and their heroism should not be forgotten.

It is surmised that if the mound was not stopped, it would have rolled through the Duke’s phalanxes camped to the south and destroyed them utterly.

Brotherhood Stronghold Infiltrated

Late on the evening of Friday, March 11th, Duke Frost, Regent Sir DuGaul, Sir Jonothan, Squire Daralassia, Squire Gabriel, Sparticous of the Black Unicorns and Squire Aara of Caldaria slipped over the border on horseback under cover of darkness to a stronghold of the necromantic merchants, The Brotherhood. The group quickly discovered they had infiltrated a nest of undead abominations.

The group fought their way through a courtyard full of a veritable fleet of Corpse-ipults, tended by intelligent undead. The courtyard was also scattered with Cobbles of Defilement, a necromantic pavement that blaze with damaging, necromantic energy.

Once past a massive portcullis adorned with skulls, the group faced a tomb full of mummies of the most powerful order. Many life spells were used to counter the death effects of these creatures, but they were defeated. The group then traveled further into the pit of evil.

The heroes entered a large chamber with a muddy floor with seething pits of Cobbles of Defilement. As soon as they entered, huge stone doors slammed down on either side of the chamber, cutting off all egress. Undead began rising from the ground all over and attempted to slaying the group. Sparticous regenerated twice and Sir DuGaul once in the ensuing melee. Squire Daralasia almost resurrected as well, as it seemed no more life spells were available. But upon regenerating the second time, Sparticous jumped up and quickly lifed the squire with only moments to spare. Finally, the group found a lever that raised the stone gates. This also seemed to stop the undead from spawning.

Deeper in the stronghold, a chamber full of torturous horrors was found. These were gathered up for study and eventual destruction. Another door was also found, and footsteps leading out into the snow. Evidently the Ashban heroes were very close to capturing someone important, but they unfortunately escaped.

Galanthians in Glenrake

Sir Harrison presented a mission of stealth and legerdemain to six volunteers. These volunteers included Koshi, Air Raaksa, Morgan, Mori, Scarn and Tithraq. The intrepid knight had come upon information that the Brotherhood was to meet with some very important “clients”. The group was to get to the meeting spot first, hide and listen.

The meeting spot, turned out to be at a dock area that was closed for the winter due to ice and snow. The group arrived before any of those attending the meeting, but from there everything went wrong. The Brotherhood members, three female undead, spotted the some of the eavesdroppers almost immediately but did nothing. Soon, two hooded figures arrived and the undead informed them of the “visitors”. The group then routed out the hidden Ashbans. In the ensuing chaos, Mori, Scarn and Koshi escaped, while Morgan, Raaksa and Tithraq were taken captive. Sir Harrison ressurected.

The clients turned out to be Lochaber and Arienne, the vampiric overlords of Galanthia. The three captured Ashbans were held for quite some time. By the time other adventurers arrived to try and free them, they had spent quite some time with the vampires, who also now had a pair of red wraiths with them. A large force of Ashbans eventually arrived and destroyed the blood wraiths and forced the vampires to spirit recall, but not before Arienne obliterated both Sparticous and Sir Harrison with her black dagger that seems to be perpetually dripping with blood.

What this meeting between our enemies from two lands means, only time will tell.

Squires Bring Their Argument into the Public

Tongues are wagging about the latest argument between squires Glorianna and Gabriel which has erupted. The two have clashed before, and His Grace has chastised them for their behavior, saying each needed to find a more neutral ground if they ever intended to become knights.

“Glorianna is all emotion and Gabriel is all logic, and neither extreme is desirable for a noble,” said a high Ducal Manor House source.

It began when Glorianna, instead of privately contacting Gabriel or asking one of the Paladins to investigate, posted a message in the dream world for all to see:

Squire Gabriel:

I receive reports from the Court of Nordenn of behavior from your person:

· Sending people to our court telling these people Nordenn is recruiting and will take in anyone

· Telling visiting squires that we lost count of who is in our Barony and that we don’t know who are our members

· Talking about is to fellow adventurers in a crude and negative light

I find it painfull that I hear these reports, after I spellcrafted for someone for you for free, based on fellow respect as you as a squire, and giving you the gift of life ritual to hopefully help your intended.

I trust that these reports are misinterpretations of what you meant, as I would hate to think that another barony would work against and not for a felow barony of Icenia. That you as a fellow squire would not work to assist where you saw points to improve.

I look forward to speaking with you on this in person. And to work together to make both of our baronies strong for the good of the people of Icenia.

When confronted, Glorianna stated that she was “working towards the Ducal suggestion that Squire Gabriel and I need to work together to learn from one another ... I may be naieve, and I may be guileless. I may never become a knight and may be viewed as inappropriate to become a peer. But imagine if every person took stock of themselves and said: what can I do to work together and help make my kingdom strong?”

Squire Gabriel then responded:

First, I would have liked to think that if you had problems with me you can handle them in private. Since that is clearly not the case, I will handle them in public as you obviously desire.

When someone who seems to be of good intention comes to me asking to join a court, I have sent people your way telling them that Morgasander’s court does more recruiting than any other. Is this not true?

Some of your court members have asked me what I think of Nordenn. I replied that, in my opinion, the barony is lacking an identity and a real sense of self. I said that the team members need to know each other better and travel together more often to foster these bonds(which some of your members claim does not happen). My last discussion with your baron consisted of him telling me that he does not know who is on his court anymore and that he was concerned about the large numbers involved. I have asked several members of your court to name the other people with whom they share a team. None have thus been able to do so. Is this not true?

In the future, I hope you can move past these sort of petty tactics. If you really wanted to discuss this privately, you would have done so. Instead, you chose to launch a public criticism while pretending to take the moral high ground of trying to just gather the truth. It is clear in your writing that you are leveling accusations against me while under the pretext of somehow helping me to be a better person. In your approach, you get to publicly accuse me of things based upon half truths and then I only get the chance to defend myself in private. I will not allow this to be the case.

I will not sit here and rattle off the things I have done for Ashbury or to help those members of the court of Nordenn who have come to me for assistance in various endeavors. I know I will not win any popularity contests in this town. I know that I am considered unlikable by several and unapproachable by many. To be honest, it is of little importance to me. I do what is right for the people I have sworn to defend, whether I am liked or not, whether I end up a noble or a commoner. I place the safety of these people above any questions of team loyalty, paladin approval, or matters of race.

When people come to me asking for my opinion, as in the instances you mention, I will sometimes come off as critical and harsh. This is done so because we live in harsh times with powerful enemies on all sides. I do not always have time to smile politely while in the profession of saving lives. My existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to some, saves lives. That is all that matters to me.

If you wish to question my honor, find another way.

Glorianna then replied that she had not questioned Gabriel’s honor, and the debate ensued from there, watched with interest from some and glee from others. “I thank you for your candid response and I agree,” she wrote. “Nordenn does lack a sense of identity. It lacks a sense of purpose and it needs its leadership.”

Sir Jonathan then ordered Glorianna to speak with him privately about the matter. It is known that the two met while on the campaign to free Glenrake, but what transpired has not been made public, unlike the squabble that started the situation.

However, reports indicate that the squires met with His Grace recently and have resolved their differences.

Ducal Proclamation

Let it be known that only the following nobles and squires are officially recognized by the Duchy of Ashbury. All former nobles retain the honorific title of “Lord” unless otherwise stripped of title, but have neither authority nor noble status within Ashbury or Icenia. Former nobles may petition to have their official titles reinstated. Only those nobles that continue to serve will retain the rights and responsibilities within Ashbury and Icenia. Any nobles who actively held titles at the time of their permanent deaths shall retain those titles in perpetuity.

Duke Sir Frost Vardik

Baroness Glenduria Goodberry Manyave

Regent Sir Dugaul Mornavor

Sir Eros Clearbrook

Sir Jonothan Dragonhart Vardik

Sir Indorian Silverleaf

Sir Harrison Ryatt

Sir Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil

Sir Padrin Darius

Squire Daralassia Fairseer

Squire Gabriel Bruce

Squire Glorianna Wyndancer

Squire Trevor Donovan

Letter to the Editor

To the brave soldiers and adventurers of Ashbury:

I cannot express in words the depth of my gratitude and respect for the valor you have shown in the campaign against Glenrake. All who fought, fought as true heroes; all who died, died as true heroes. A great evil has been vanquished from the land, and a great and terrible burden has been lifted from my people and myself. The death of Eddard Lichegate and the fall of Castle Glenmoor marks the beginning of a new day for Moorgrave and Glenrake. A bright day, free from the shadow and taint of necromancy, where my people will live without the shackles of chaos. This day would not have been achieved were it not for the valiant efforts put forth by each and every Icenian who took up arms against Glenrake. On behalf of the peoples of Moorgrave and Glenrake, I thank you.

Duke Rogan Exeter of Moorgrave

A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D’Onym

Once more, my column is small this month, as very few people have written to me about what the movers and shakers of Ashbury are doing. Most of the nobles and adventurers traveled to a far off country this past month and so unless they tell me what happened, how am I to know? I have plenty of gossip about some local farmers, but who cares about them? Nobody wants to read about the little people.

Anyway, I will share what little I have, and let this be a lesson to my faithful readers: This column is only as good as its contributions!

I did receive one anonymous interesting piece of gossip saying “ever since leaving Black Forest and stealing the treasury, the members of the Black Unicorns have been cursed with bad luck and plauged with death.” See if you can guess which group must have sent that one!

The biggest gossip is about the Squire fight between Gabriel and Glorianna, as another article here explains. His Grace Duke Frost is apparently quite upset with both of them, but does not feel he should post his comments publicly like they have.

There definitely seems to be quite a bit of anti-Blythedale feelings in the other courts these days, something I haven’t seen since the court of Trellheim was around. Besides the problems already mentioned, there have been clashes with the court of the Ash Forest as well. It seems Gabriel did not bow to Sir Rorrii while in Hewitt, although perhaps his golem form stood in the way. Squire Darlassia was also heard to say “no” to Regent Du’Gual more than once while there, and my sources tell me that Baroness Glen has been very upset with Du’Gual for quite some time. To make it worse, I hear from the grapevine that some commoners are planning to petition His Grace to object to having Du’Gual named as Baron.

Speaking of His Grace, it seems our beloved Duke knows how to let his hair down. Rumor has it he had a little too much fudge at the ducal table while in Moorgrave and did impressions with food, including “Vegetable Morganna” and a carrot tusked Air Raaksa. He also required Squires Daralassia and Aara to tell jokes. After these were told, he was heard to remark, “Next time I should order them to tell funny jokes.”

The Ash Forest had a party recently which included a lot of alcohol-fueled fun, and the biggest surprise was the appearance of Daniel Star-Grimsby, who had retired from his knighthood about five years ago to raise his son. It is unknown whether His Grace will accept Daniel’s noble title if he returns to Ashbury, but the public notice listing all nobles in Ashbury seems to indicate that the answer is no.

Well, that’s all for this month. I wish I had more. Send me your News They Don’t Want You To Know and I’ll keep printing it. So until next time, remember: If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

Public Notices

THE BARONY OF NORDENN invites all adventurers to a social gathering on Friday night, the 15th of the next month in Ashbury. Together we will enjoy wine, good food, and good memories of our former Baron, Morgasander. We hope everyone will come to pay tribute to a great man and leader, and dear friend, and mourn our missing him, and rejoice in his happiness in him being with his family. - Glorianna Wyndancer, Squire of Nordenn

NO CODE is currently looking for able adventures to join their ranks. We are looking for any able bodied adventure looking to join with a group. If interested and for more details please talk to Malachi or anyone wearing the white circle within the triangle.

HEALER’S GUILD MEETING on the 16th at 10:00 a.m. All members and interested parties are asked to attend.

THE SAGE’S GUILD can teach skills for a nominal fee. If you find yourself without a spell book or recipe book, you may rent ours. We also sell potions, weapons, armor, alchemy and wine when we have some available.

SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED: The Order of the Black Unicorn is looking for the following Ritual Scrolls: Race Change, Channel, Enchant, Expanded Enchant, Race Reaver, Monster Slayer, Spell Store, Protection Aura, Copy Formal Ritual, Preserve Duration, Permanent Duration, Regeneration, Elemental Blast, Elemental Aura, Damage Aura, Earth Aura, Spirit Store and Controlled Spirit Store. We are also looking for the Catalysts for Permanent Duration, Race Change, Controlled Spirit Store, and Copy Formal Ritual as well as any reagents. We are willing to buy or trade, please contact Sparticous, Paythin or Lira.

LOOKING TO PURCHASE or trade for the following ritual scrolls: Spell Parry, Expanded Enchantment, Cloak and Permaent Duration. Gold, Ritual Components, Ritual Scrolls and Magic Items for trade. Contact Lord Find’rth of House Ryujima

KOSHI: You have something of mine. I want it back. - D

IN NEED OF A WEAPON OR ARMOR, but you haven’t the coin? Speak with Sparticous, Paythin or Lira of the “Order of the Black Unicorn”.