Ash Forest Flourishes with the Defeat of Morganna!

In the dark night of wintery winds, the Seed of the Spirit Tree shone into the hearts of the shadows and revealed a new destiny for the elven peoples and inhabitants of the Ashbury.

It began with the strange comet that still shines clearly over Ashbury skies. This signalled apprentices of the Elven prophet Faldor of Vornithalin to travel to the “City of Char” and speak of the strange prophecies of their master. Willing to speak to anyone who would listen, the young prophetic neophytes traveled to the snow locked capital to share newly discovered writings:

When the comet comes, the moon shines no more, the veil will descend, upon the black marsh and the City of Char. The three sons of discord will unite, to save the birth of the Forest’s newborn child. The child is the key to the salvation of the black marsh—its sire battles with another dark offspring, the breakwater on the river of despair, the father of the three sons who have bickered for so long. White women come to forge the weapon, to break the bough and rock the cradle of darkness. The heart of Kaver Nan Doon will pave the way to roots of shadow; the paddles of the living boat through the chaos of the Veil. Take the heart, follow the roots, listen to the white winds of pain. The roots of Shadow can be found within the Black Marsh, the living boat will travel on the currents of fortune and the stones of luck. The roots of shadow sown and grown by the Mage of Shades entwine their tendrils around the guardians of the forest heart and twist them; destroy them as their spirits suckle at the mouth of darkness. The child of the Forest must grow within the shell of one who seeks release and peace—it must be consumed in the forging of the weapon to kill the roots of Darkness.

The prophets departed after some individuals jotted down the words of Faldor including Sir Algar, Sir Agnar, Caleb, Roland, and members of the MacMorna clan—only to make way, its seemed, for the apprentices of Zalinarik. Master of the 2nd Ring, Aerilerion brought word to various elven factions that the Amani council had agreed to an unprecedented public council within the tavern called the Dragon’s Flagon sometime after midnight. Mysteriously, the servants of Zalanarik bore a magnificent banner and carried on their duties informing individuals of the great meeting, saying that anyone could listen and be involved but only elves would be allowed to directly address the council. Non-elves would need to obtain an elven proxy to speak through at the council.

Seemingly cajoled into the public meeting by members of the Chosen, the Guardians and Custodians of the Spirit Tree, the Amani council members who were able to attend apparently decided to bend to the wishes of the Tree’s guardians and meet publicly with the fledgling elven council within Ashbury and any other citizen that wished to participate.

After their duties of informing the citizens were at an end, the apprentices of Zalinarik visited the local guilds and give greetings to the Guildmistresses in the name of the Wizard of Forces and Winds and ask if they possessed the spells shatter and the destroy within their spellbook. The spells, which are generally attributed to Zalinarik’s creation, were within guild spell books; but this does not explain why the apprentices were so interested in the Guild circles and locating other Circles out and around Ashbury.

The Apprentices then informed Lord Hanson he was in great danger, and that Morganna and his minions were nearby. The resulting assaults of Morganna’s minions seemed minor in comparison to previous attacks on Bartleby. Leading small elite groups of undead against the town for a few hours, Morganna’s minions were quickly dispatched until a stronger force appearred.

A six pack of Death Rogues calling themselves the Shades were provided significant ritual enhancement so that they might attempt to capture and drag Hanson off for a private dinner with the Shadow Mage. Although they successfully regenerated several times, they made little headway with their quest but successfully trounced several citizens before being withdrawn by Morganna somewhere nearby. These individuals are likely members of a former thieves guild in Bartleby who have been twisted and corrupted by Morganna’s dark magics.

Perhaps the most noteworthy piece of news in a long time was the Council on the Seed, attended by a variety of impressive local personalities, prolific Ash Forest representatives, members of the Chosen, and a special guest. Members of the Amani Council arrived first to begin the discussions: Lord Gwindor, most senior member of the council, held true to his conservative “the time isn’t right” views. Lady Gloredhel, known for her liberal stance on many issues, mediated frequently to the benefit of cooperation within the forest. Lady Elaina remained quiet yet seemed to provoke arguments at the tensest times, and military advisor Thalian took aggressive views against both members of the Council and the Chosen, exerting a streak of Kiergani political ferocity for which he is famous.

As the Council began, it was obvious that all possessed little information in regards to the seed and they awaited for the representative of the Chosen to arrive. The Council immediately fell into a heated discussion on representation on the council by members of the Kiergani. Wild elf Sir Agnar was extremely passionate, bordering on nasty, to Lord Gwindor and his cautious conservative views, going so far as to accuse the Amani of a campaign of assimilation. Lord Gwindor commented that this attitude was one of the reasons why the Kiergani were not ready to be part of the Amani Council, and pointed out that there were many races living in the Ash Forest who also were not members of the Council. Lord Eriol, gentle spokesperson for the Kiergani, often negotiated through the arguments and offered sage advice to keep things on a civil level. Baron Konrad, recently returned from his ordeal with Father Defile, cued by a apparent comment by Lady Elaina, asserted that for Lord Gwindor and the conservative faction the time would never be right for Kiergani representation which led to another round of arguments until they were interrupted by the appearance of a member of the Chosen.

Ledyard Whitetree of the Chosen stepped forward and with him came the Seed of the Spirit Tree. He was leading a small delegation, including the caretaker of the Seed Analoriel, and an elven “Euphoric” possessed by the spirit of the rebirth calling herself Mamerial. The bickering on the Council subsided with Ledyard’s request to speak for the council.

He began his presentation, explaining the cycle and the role of the Tree within the forest and how at the death of the Spirit Tree, a new seed is born and placed within the Forest to assume the roll of the management of lifeforce within the home of the elves.

He then explained that for some unknown reason, sometimes a Seed is born randomly, and such a Seed had been born. The assembled elves needed to discuss the use of the Seed, for in the past the Chosen gave many instances where the random seed had been corrupted and dark areas of the forest had formed.

Many options came up, and the assembled debaters found that Ledyard himself seemed to have a puritanical view of the Kiergani within the forest, indicating they were not accepted by the Forest Lord and thus had no right to be on the Amani Council. After the discussion went on for a while, Ledyard departed leaving the seed in the care of Baron Tristan.

As the talks broke down, the appearance of Zalinarik’s proxy halted all conversation. Arriving within the tavern, several elves wearing green and white tabards appearred, all of them carrying magical weapons. While this is apparently not an atypical occurrence in Ashbury, in the hands of these unknown individuals all prepared for a fight. It caused quite a stir among the nobles.

A hush fell over the assembled elves as the hooded envoy pulled back his hood to reveal the visage of the King of Quentari. Although many elves immediately fell to their knees in the presence of Aran Elenaro Ar-Din, the members of the Amani council all had different reactions. Among the nobles and the commoners present for the council, reaction was positive to say the least.

Rumor has it the King Elenaro had responded to Zalinarik’s plea and request to stand in for the Wizard of Forces and Winds because the wizard was physically unable to do so. With intentions of purity and kindness, King Elenaro successfully navigated the difficult diplomatic waters and presented important information supplied by Zalinarik as well as his own studies.

It is important for all to understand that there has never been an official overture of aid to the Ash Forest from the Kingdom from which the Amani left, and between the two peoples tension has existed for over two thousand years. That the King himself would arrive to aid the Ash Forest in its time of need clearly indicates that the Quentari are reaching their hands out to their forest brothers with open and clear intentions in friendship.

While having King Elenaro perform the advisory role typically attributed to Zalinarik made the Amani on the Council extremely uncomfortable, the Kiergani seemed to appreciate a neutral advisor. The information brought by his majesty explained the difficulty he seemed to have experienced in rifting to Ashbury—some force or Veil seemingly fought his attempts to appear in the woods outside of town. Known for his unique talents in regards to magics of all sorts, King Elenaro managed to penetrate the disturbances but chose to leave Ashbury later in gathering by ship for unknown destinations and not risk another attempt at rifting.

King Elenaro presented the Amani Council a gift of magical and serenity to the Council—the “Amalore Taursiloriel.” The name of this artifact roughly translates into “The Shining Heart of the Taursiloriel,” the Taursiloriel being the deepest part of the forest of Quentari—not unlike the Wold in the Ash Forest. The amulet apparently sings and comforts the wearer, bestowing the musical magic and mystery of the depths of the Quentari forest. Although the dialog has been merely opened between three elven peoples, King Elenaro did much to open a dialog between the elves of Quentari and the elves of the Ash Forest. Although this might reveal a blemish to the entire event, none of the Baronies or the Noble houses of Ashbury offered hospitality to the King and his retinue—something that will not likely be overlooked by the Duke or the Princess, neither of whom were in the city at that time. King Elenaro later in the evening accepted the hospitality of Lord Eriol and the local Kiergani tribesman within the estate of Kiri-Ashton.

During the discussions, the Forest Lord appearred to end the council once and for all. Taking the form of a tall green elf, the regal Forest Lord howled in pain of the dark corruption occurring with in forest. Speaking slowly and wracked with pain, the Forest Lord pointed an accusing finger at both the Kiergani and the Amani. He claimed that with the political disputes happening, the Forest was being neglected. He reminded the elves present that he spoke for the forest, and the Forest needed all elves to work together to stave off the growing of a dark tree called the Tree of Shades gestating within the Shadow Bogs of Zalinarik’s Keep.

Even now, he said, his guardians were being corrupted and controlled, and he was losing his influence over the forest as was the Spirit Tree—elves present had to band together or the Forest Lord would revoke the Amani presence within the Wold and other areas, and forever damn the Kiergani from being restricted access there. With a scream of anguish, the Forest Lord withered and died before the eyes of the assembled factions, and the dust disappeared between the boards of the tavern floor and into the earth below.

A decision was hammered out to unite to face a common enemy—Loscarnos De Morganna, and seemingly on cue Morganna and a small amount of minions appearred outside of the tavern. Immediately stepping forward to the demands and screams of Morganna, Lord Hanson appearred to face his enemy (along with most of the town to back him up). Typical “enemy of Ashbury” banter soon followed, Morganna stating coldly that Hanson would turn himself over to him or he would “Bartleby” Ashbury in revenge for the death of his wife.

Knowing that King Elenaro was remaining inconspicuous within the crowd, Lord Hanson and Guildmistress Natasha returned the banter. Guildmistress Natasha wondered what had happened to the Shadow Mage’s gypsy accent, and Morganna returned her jibe with a question in regards to the estate of Safehaven recently placed under her care.

Eventually Morganna said these fateful words: “No one can stand with you, Lord Hanson. Zalinarik is a coward! Who will stand with you to die?!” With this, King Elenaro came out of the crowd, stood beside Lord Hanson and introduced himself. The Shadow Mage took a second to take in this new information and then announced he had somewhere else he wished to be at that moment, and spirit walked to parts unknown.

The town dispatched his minions with gusto and alacrity and all remained quiet for the rest of the evening.

With the sun shining brightly the following day, the snows began to melt as mist formed and coalesced into strange white phantoms. Apparently cursed to wander, these beings showed strange traits or muttered strange phrases but otherwise ignored townsfolk. These “White Ladies” (most were female) seemed to be cursed and linked somehow to the Tree of Shades, and some force had moved their wandering damnation to the fields of the capital city.

Sir Cyric Temerak, the long dead son of Sir Balynthalis of Nordenn, appearred screaming for an arrow and apparently fighting a losing fight with some unseen foe. Sir Balynthalis, after a very unmerry chase, gave an arrow to his son, who mysteriously answered his father with a strange riddle. Apparently perplexing the present adventurers, they managed to answer the riddle and the mists of Sir Cyric solidified briefly to reveal a note from the Prophet Faldor detailing part of a recipe to kill the tree of shades.

Most Ashbans will remember that a recipe was necessary to construct the first Stake of Woe within the Cup of Shades, and this recipe was a variant of the first. Screaming that he had failed his father, Cyric disappeared—father once again losing his son.

Other phantoms seemed to appear in turn rising from the snows of Ashbury. Many adventurers answered each of their riddles in turn and managed to gain the recipe. Ashbans who were successful included Dax, Kareena, Squire Tavernier, Hendrick, and Baron Konrad. However, a few near misses occurred as the Phantoms could apparently only answer five times before disappearing. Baron Konrad nearly strangled Dax at one point for rattling off four wrong answers in a row. Likewise some of the Half Ogres like Chandrach and Gronk, convinced the misty forms were undead, attacked them and almost dispersed them permanently before they could give their cryptic messages to Ashbury. Two of the Phantoms were apparently loved ones of Lord Zachary and Sir Algar, but never had a chance to be seen by their former lovers before their riddles were solved before they dispersed.

As the sun reached noontime, the last of the Phantoms appearred, this one apparently the prophet Faldor, who by some means we have yet to determine at this time, manipulated events to reveal the weaknesses of the Tree of Shades. He shared the rest of his information with the Ashbans and then dispersed amongst the mists of melting snow.

Shortly after the Ashbans had obtained the recipe, Aerlierion, first apprentice to Zalinarik, reappeared to announce that Zalinarik had obtained use of the Mortal Gate to transport individuals to the Shadow Bogs in order to locate the Tree of Shades. Providing adventurers with a detailed map of the Bogs, yet unable to pinpoint the exact location, adventurers gathered to enter the bogs and try to obtain information as to potential sites for the Tree of Shades.

The Mortal Gate itself apparently required objects called luckstones in order to transport six individuals to a location within the Shadow Bogs. In order to transfer a larger group, a much larger power source would need to be found. Many luckstones had been found on wandering creatures that people began calling “Dark Fey” for ease of description. The Mortal Gate itself apparently appearred to be a living triolith, and although initially portrayed itself as fearsome was actually quite harmless and friendly. Consistently bored, the triolith often appearred to ask silly riddles, receive silly riddles, or hear stories before it move people to places, but once receiving the luckstone seemed true to its word and deposited adventurers into an area of the Shadow Bog and remained long enough to get them home.

Five groups entered the Mortal Gate and gained significant information that led to the Dark Tree’s location; however the sixth group attempted to enter the gate and encountered a terrible site. Apparently the gate, in order to transport individuals to the Shadow Bogs, had to cut through something called the Veil, a sort of borderlands between the Fey realm and our world. The Dark Tree in some way must have drawn the Veil to come in contact with our world in various places, spurting dark fey all over the place, and its juxtaposition with Tyrra allowed the Veil to manifest a guardian that attacked the sixth group and sundered the Mortal Gate. The sixth group valiantly fought the guardian, and only their quick thinking and heroic courage allowed them to pull out their drained comrades and withdraw before the veil consumed them.

As the Veil strengthened throughout the day strange fey beings appearred to communicate with or assault the town. Strange Grey skinned elves with lifeless eyes attacked citizens and elves in particular with a cursed and malignant ferocity. The town triumphed and defeated these beings called the “Sluagh.” Later it was learned that these beings were in fact elven victims of the Tree of Shades, stored and bound by their spirits by the dark powers of the tree.

Other normal forest beings were apparently drawn to the tree and then released perverted and mutated.

Strange black faced goblinoids call Boguns marched through town ordering citizens to march with them in honor of their mistress Black Annis. Somehow deeply involved with the Tree, this being known as Black Annis had gained some control over the Tree of Shades and was using her power from a distance to distract and disrupt the citizens from locating the Tree. It was clear that Black Annis and Loscarnos De Morganna possessed a dark pact. Three oddly afflicted Fey managed to elude her grasp and gave portions of Black Annis’ true name—something that the people of Ashbury could use against her; drawing her to them for a knock down, drag out fight. It was learned that it was the Heart of Kaver Nan Doon—a power source that could be used to move the town through the Mortal Gate that enabled Black Annis to remain on Tyrra that would be needed to gain access to the Tree of Shades.

The first two of these rebel fey individuals appeared on that Saturday. The first to appear were a pair of beings that possessed no other job other than to stare and intimidate travelers on lonely roads, but this rogue pair were apparently on suspension by Black Annis because they were just too silly. Attempting to prove their power and scariness, these two clods attempted to stare at citizens and fry or fear them with a steely gaze. Eventually they did gain some recommendations from the townsfolk, and provided the citizens with the first part of Black Annis’ true name “ood.”

The second of the vengeful fey was apparently a Seelie fey who called itself “Jack in Irons.” Jack had been captured by the Darkest Hag and locked in a metal mask made of iron. Iron is not a pleasant experience for most fey. Findrago and Lord Jaret managed to produce a lockpick, and applied oil of slipperiness to the lock to free Jack. Jack intoned the second part of the name, “al.” .

Night fell upon Ashbury and all was eerily quite until the dark quiet was broken with the appearance of Lorin Alfenwen (fanged former Baron of the Ash Forest) and one of his former knights, fleeing what appearred to be his wife Laurieanne Teregram, the Vampiric Reptilon known as Rysa, and a horde of his vampiric ragniss. Moving only moments ahead of his pursuers, Lorin quickly sought out allies with the townsfolk swearing to allow a stake to be administered to him in order for the players to defeat Rysa.

Linking with the valiant warriors of Trellheim and the Ash Forest, Lorin fought with his new found supporters and they managed to kill Rysa and Laurianne and drive a stake through their hearts, although the fight with Rysa’s forces required the entire town and continued for several minutes before the brood of vampires was defeated.

Apparently Morganna had discovered the secret meetings Lorin had been having with many of the elves of Ashbury in order to facilitate curing him and allowing him to join with the Spirit Tree. Informing Rysa that Lorin was attempting to assassinate him by steering him into an ambush, Morganna raised Rysa to Patriarch status and sent him on to kill the elven traitor. When the Reptilon fought through the lines of Trellheim attempting to reach and stake Lorin, it was Squire Yngvar, Enoch, and Lithitar who combined their might with the former Baron of the Ash Forest to defeat Rysa and drive a stake of woe into his heart.

With the death of Rysa, Lorin turned to his nephew Baron Konrad who placed the seed of the Spirit Tree upon Lorin’s chest and staked Lorin with all of his might. As Lorin’s body and spirit were consumed with a fire of salvation, the flame was consumed by the seed, as was Lorin’s spirit. Rising out of the seed as a Spirit Guardian, Lorin was finally at peace and was quickly ushered into the tavern to aid in determining the final location of the tree of Shades.

Later that evening, an apprentice of Zalinarik named Kytrel appearred and gathered a group of powerful warriors to enter the Veil with a device apparently supplied by his master. The first attempt was made by solid and experienced adventurers such as Yngvar, Lord Hanson, Sir Agnar, Lady Azrael, Quickie, Guildmistress Natasha, Lord Jaret, Olin, Thorn, Delahr, Dax, Hendrick, Enoch, and Lord Governor Radric.

They entered the veil and discovered themselves enveloped in strange mists, and with some brief searching discovered a silver cord disappearing in the mists. Following the cord, they encountered dozens of minor guardians of the veil. Although not particularly fearsome, they plagued the adventurers endlessly, their draining touch incapacitating many of the adventurers for desperate minutes.

They encountered fragments of the Mortal Gate, gathering them they attempted to reassembled them, only to discover that the cord to the final piece had disappeared somewhere into the mists. Frustrated and denied victory, they departed but the pieces of the gate could not be withdrawn from the Veil.

Kytrel promised to return tomorrow in order to make another attempt to reassembling the gate. Upon Kytrel’s return in the early morning on Sunday, he assembled a new group of adventurers. Determining that it was too dangerous to assemble anyone who had already been in the Veil, Kytrel assembled Dame Kittery, Squires Morgan, Tavernier, Tirlorin and Gwindor, Gazrith, Naansa, Feyd, Ta’wané, Titania, Doron, Thena, Cormac, and James, Shawn and Perplexicaticus MacMorna.

Working together and often on the edge of defeat, they reassembled the pieces of the gate and prepared the way for the town to the Tree of Shades.

The third of the strange renegade Unseelie appearred near noon, calling himself “Spriggan,” he huffed and puffed around looking for the toughest thing he could find to challenge himself. Running into Lord Morlox, now encased within the body of a reptilon, the little red gnome looked at him an merely sniffed, “You think you’re tough?” Morlox humbly replied he was indeed a competent fighter and the gnome motioned him away from the crowd. Morlox fought with many different weapons and the gnome merely smirked and told him that if he could be defeated he would give the town a part of Black Annis’ name, partially because he thought she was a wimp.

Discovering after a few trials that the being was in fact harmed only by small scratches and pokes, a fight ensued and Morlox finally prevailed against the creature. The creature revealed the final part of Annis’ name to be “ari!”

After some coaxing the town joined together to say her name: “Oodalari!” Within a matter of moments, wind rushed by and the beating of feet could be heard echoing across the town and Black Annis appeared surrounded by Boguns, Grey Elves, Firbolg, and a pair of Black Unicorns.

The fight ensued for quite a long time, but Black Annis’ hagish form was killed and Squire Yngvar carved her heart from her chest—an enormous luckstone needed to move the town through the Mortal Gate to assault the Tree of Shades.

Preparations for the final confrontation began in earnest and soon the Mortal Gate appearred as beyond the gate the adventurers could see the gnarled twisted form of the black tree. Surrounded by a ring of dead oaks with glowing branches, it was clearly going to not be an easy task.

Stepping from behind the Tree, Morganna himself appearred flanked by at least two death knights. Spilling from the tree like oozing sap, grey elves emerged with a gleam of hatred in their eyes. Rising from the roots of the tree, two more Black Unicorns appearred.

Surrounded by this fearsome force, Morganna immediately summoned two Chaos Elementals, a Death Elemental, and created a pair of bone golems to further bolster his forces. Morganna glanced toward the tree, seemingly controlling it, and led his force forward to meet his opponents.

The town gathered, prepared for a fight, but held back cautious of the Vampire’s ability to hurl ritual magics. Assumedly to strike fear into his enemies, Morganna hurled an Obliterate into the crowd of adventurers and the dark crackling sorcery struck Kylarra upon the shoulder. Silence reigned until her Spell Shield was triggered.

Hurling Destroy Magics, Spirit Forges, and other offensive powers, Morganna and his minions traded significant long distance attacks. Lord Hanson himself took the brunt of Morganna’s Dragon Magics, nimbly dodging them even while encased in the form of a iron golem. Recent Heir to Lord Tristan’s baronial position, Baron Kelial risked himself significantly delivering several spells into Morganna himself until a Bone Golem was sent to bang him into the ground. While the battle raged around them, Sorceress Shalizar was killed and dragged away from the line by Morganna and laid across the body of Guildmistress Natasha. Modi risked himself and was killed three times trying to save the Guildmistress, but the dwarf was cut down and eventually swallowed by one of the strange oaks surrounding the Tree of Shades—only an Imprison managed to save him from dying a fourth. Many others we not so lucky: Kheldan, Sir Algar, Doron Capulus and many other individuals were dragged to the oaks and animated into green skeletons and sent off to attack Hanson, who quickly killed his attacked who were then Lifed in time. Olin, having been given another chance by Ironwood to be the Defender of Tyrra, threw himself into a frenzied attempt to get to the tree and kill it’s vegetable guardians. Killed in the attempt and forced to resurrect on the spot, nothing could stop Olin from trying again and he was the first successful to penetrate the ring and killed some of the trees—clearly indicative of his devotion to Ironwood and Tyrra in dispatching the abomination. Alas, Guildmistress Shalizar was not rescued successfully and was forced to resurrect on the brink of Ashbury’s victory.

As the tides of battle began to change, Morganna withdrew to the safety of the Tree Ring, and in preparation for his departure handed the Cup of Shades to a nearby undead minion. As the townsfolk prepared for a final push, Morganna erected a Circle of Power—without the Cup inside! For long moments the Shadow Mage stared at the cup, as deep contemplation as to whether to actually be forced to fight against the assembled forces or to merely let the Cup fall out of his hands until another day, until he was awakened from this thought by the taunts of Lord Hanson.

Morganna seemingly forgot the Cup itself, and placed his steely gaze of anger about Hanson. Sir Algar used this moment to race into the lines and grab the cup. Morganna screamed in anger and controlled all of his remaining forces to kill Sir Algar and the retrieve the Cup. As the Death Knights we dispatched they apparently regenerated at the Cup itself, but in the hands of Baron Konrad the recipe was ready and placed within the cup with the Seed of the Spirit tree.

Baron Konrad then took the stake retrieved from Lorin Alfenwen and plunged the stake into the Cup of Shades, shattering the Cup and destroying the Death Knights. As the remaining forces were being dealt with, Morganna once again focused his stare and words upon Hanson, he shrugged as if not concerned and attempted to spirit walk and spirit recall, staring up at horror at the Tree of Shades as both attempts failed.

Moments later out of nowhere, Baron Konrad rushed through the remaining trees and thrust the Stake deep into the heartwood of the Tree of Shades. With a magnificent display of light, the tree changed from a dark grey and black to a white and shinning luminescence, and the grey elves defending the tree disappeared as if a bad dream.

Still the Shadow Mage within his own Circle looked upon the gathering forces around him and stared at his hecklers. Lord Tristan simply asked why Morganna had done this. With a shrug the Shadowmage smiled and responded, “You cannot kill me. A mere stake cannot me, fools. You have killed my family a second time. I will have no more lost tribes. I must start a new family! And when I do, you will all be killed.”

Tristan responded that Morganna was insane. The Shadowmage stunned onlookers by swearing to recieve the stake in the heart provided it would be done by Sir Agnar (killed by Morganna last year), Lord Hanson (who killed his wife Strykna), and Baron Konrad (the son of his enemy Zalinarik). Agnar and Konrad grabbed the stake and Morganna dropped the Circle laughing, as the stake was plunged into his heart (as well as every mighty blow and magic sword within 40 miles). With a puff of smoke, Morganna returned to his gaseous form, his laughter ringing in the ears of his enemies.

Since the victory against the Tree of Shades, a blooming white tree graces the lands of the forest’s most verdant section—the Shadow Bog disappearing as if painted over by a paint brush. Resurrections of over 230 elves have been noted across the Ash Forest, and none of them have failed. The Chosen have moved in to study the tree and assess its powers and abilities but they have been yet to determine its role within the destiny of the Ash Forest. It is rumored that Lorin Alfenwen’s spirit guards the tree, and has been seen in the dawn of the morning mists. Cyric Temerak successfully resurrected at the spot of the Tree of Shades destruction, and he has been reunited with his father. Sir Algar’s wife Elrissa also have been reunited with her loved one, and across the Ash Forest old friends are mingling with the citizens their disappearances revealed to be at the hands of the Tree of Shades.

The destiny of this tree still stands in question: Is it the spirit tree the Kiergani will find to make them the children of the Forest Lord? Is it a magnificent fortress like Zalinarik’s keep waiting to grow and be tended? Or could it be something we have yet to consider?Sir Konrad Returns to Life, Resumes Position as Baron

Last November when Baron Konrad Valinor died on the field of battle facing the hordes of Korred, it was thought that his death was permanent and that his spirit would leave to join the Elven Spirit Tree and enter the Graveyard of the Elder Wood. This was not the case.

No sooner had his family and friends gathered around his body than a figure appeared spirit walking into the Healer’s Guild circle. The figure identified himself as Father Defile, and was later found to be the embodiment of the forces of necromancy. Father Defile threw off all who would defend Konrad’s body and reached inside and took the spirit that he had trapped within. He then spirit walked away, leaving many to wonder what would happen next and if Konrad were truly dead.

In the months that followed, many sought information regarding Konrad and his whereabouts, but little was found. Sir Algar was named Baron and took over the leadership of the Ash Forest. It was not until the night of March 21st that Konrad’s fate was revealed.

An undead monstrosity with Konrad’s face, voice, and enchanted hammer began to stalk the city of Ashbury. Konrad was clearly ritually enhanced as his hammer now glowed as if englamoured with a damage aura and he was able to bane or cloak many spells directed at him. He faced many of the townsfolk and fought off some while ignoring others.

His first victim was Marr the Half ogre whom he killed and took his magic sword. The sword was quickly recovered by Drakonis who disarmed Konrad repeatedly to make him drop it.

The town’s defenders soon gathered around to fight this monstrosity in Konrad’s form. Many of the fiercest fighters in Ashbury found their blows simply bouncing off Konrad’s hide. Baron Algar, Sir Agnar, Squires Enoch and Olin and Hendrik all struck at Konrad with blows that would normally slay a man, only to find their blows taken, parried, or dodged. Squire Morlox then joined the fight, as did Lord Justice and Airelerion, one of Zalinarik’s apprentices.

In the end it turned out to be celestial magic which was the creature’s weakness as he fell to the repeated blows of these magics for which he had no ritual defense.

His body was carried away by Baron Tristan, Baron Algar, and Lord Aloryn. It did not turn to dust but remained in an unconscious state even though it was clearly undead. His undead body was quickly taken to the Ash Forest circle and brought together with his living body which was kept within. As the two came in contact with each other the undead body turned to dust and the living body which had existed for months in a sort of stasis began to breathe once again. All the ritual effects on the body vanished. Tears were in Konrad’s eyes as he realized that he lived once more and the evil constraints placed upon him were finally gone.

He explained that Defile had turned him into this creature which was called an Emperor of the Graveyard and placed dozens of rituals upon him. He then spent days giving him clear instructions on how to act in given situations, instructions which left little to no leeway in their interpretation. He then supplied him with components and the scroll to Obliterate the Duke and placed two spirit recalls upon him one in a new circle and one in the circle in the midst of town, done late one night when no one could see it. He somehow altered the recall so his possessions would go with him as he left and not be left behind. The hammer now contained a spectre inside it similar to the spectral lance that Morganna himself had created years ago. This ritual wore off early Monday morning as the spectre appeared from within the hammer in the daylight and quickly turned to dust.

After being watched carefully and assured that he was free of Defile’s control, Konrad was once again given his title as Baron of the Ash Forest, with Sir Algar stepping down to return rule to its rightful holder.


Wilhelm Encourages Others to Join His Cause

Squire Wilhelm Neumacht was back in Ashbury recently, and spoke to all who listened of his vows to a golden dragon named Xavier. Those who knew Wilhelm were surprised by this change (especially his now ex-wife Kylara who had him gypsy cursed many times). Among his vows were those to abstinence and chastity.

His words attracted some followers, and he had them do a series of tasks to prove their worth (including having Jack the bard compose a song about Xavier), so when Wilhelm asked for help on a quest in service of the dragon, they volunteered.

The group was led by Marr and was composed primarily of young adventurers seeking a name and glory for themselves.

Wilhelm sent them to retrieve a small unicorn item that was held by minions of an evil red dragon. He warned them that there was no way of telling what sorts of creatures they would find in the lair.

Upon arriving at the cave, the party was met by Rowell Ka’taan, Squire Tirilorin, Lude Narcisse and Alderbaran. “Go on back,” they said. “We already got it.” After some questioning, the adventurers realized that there was something wrong. Rowell and his friends didn’t seem to know basic facts about Ashbury or even themselves, and when an attack broke out, it was clear that these were nightmare creatures taking the forms of Ashbans.

After dispatching all of the creatures except one, the adventurers began questioning the remaining being who held the item. They did not get far before Wilhelm entered and congratulated them on a job well done. When he saw the item he said “Very good. Give it to me.”

Gabriel was about to hand Wilhelm the item when Marr screamed “no!” As all looked on in confusion, Marr said “That not Wilhelm! Wilhelm not that rude!”

As all looked at Wilhelm with suspicion, someone asked him to sing the song about Xavier they had learned earlier. The look in Wilhelm’s eyes was all that was needed for all to realize, and an attack quickly broke out. The battle was long and exciting but eventually the creature was disposed.

The group returned victorious and swore an Oath to the gold dragon, becoming Neophytes of Order. Later, in the tavern, Marr realized that the vows he had taken may not be true to his nature. “What you mean, no drinks and no sex?” A debate ensued between Wilhelm and Lord Aloryn who sat at either side of the poor half ogre, trying to sway Marr one way or the other. Citizens can count on some serious negotiating going on between Wilhelm and Marr in the future, most likely in the form of a duel.


Talon Scrolls Released

The Royal Academy of Arcane Arts and Sciences along with several merchant houses and Guilds have announced recently the expected availability of some of the Talon Scrolls only seen before in the Duchy of Ashbury. Many may recall during the gathering at our duchy’s capital last July the release of some of these previously lost Talon Scrolls to various adventurers. Since that time, those in the market of buying and selling ritual scrolls have been working hard to acquire copies of those scrolls for resale.

Although the majority of the attempts to do so have been unsuccessful, rumors at the Royal Academy are that the original owners of the scrolls have agreed to allow certain Academy members and affluent merchants the right to copy them to allow their distribution to the general public. The Royal Academy has officially confirmed that those scrolls available for copying are only a portion of all the Talon Scrolls believed to be in existance. It is unknown where those remaining scrolls can be located.

Those in the business of collecting finder’s fees for searching for scrolls more thoroughly are anticipating an increase in business. The scrolls the Royal Academy and merchant houses expect to become available for purchase are the Celestial only Lore and Heal Golem and the Celestial and Earth Arcane Armor, Spirit Recall and Vengeance. Interested parties should contact their local Guilds or merchant houses for more information.


Tuskblight Cure Found

In the cold days of mid-March, six brave adventurers traveled into the lands of the Fey against the odds to find a cure for the disease known as Tuskblight, the deadly disease created by the satyr Shaedum in response to an attack made on him by the Clan McEwan. Shaedum is the same being that has created all the variations of the disease Hornblight which affected the Mystic Wood Elves years ago.

Members of the group included the half orcs Olin, Dugal, and Sage, as well as Lord Jaret, Guildmistress Natasha, and Sieghardt. Olin had earlier made contacts with certain Mystic Wood Elves which helped in creating a gate that led to the lands of the Fey. From there, they entered Shaedum’s home.

After a few battles, they found a book entitled “How Long Does Love Last?” by The Creator of Love Potion #9. This struck a chord with the orcs. Shaedum had constantly teased them about the cure for the plague, and had given them clues and riddles, but the last part had continued to stump them: “What heals all wounds? It’s not “time” my friends. Ask the Mystic Wood Elves. Try it for awhile, you might like it.” The half orcs had previously tried all manners of the things (much to the pleasure of many Mystic Wood Elves) but upon reading the title to the book, it was as if a torch had been lit above their heads.

As the party quickly left, they looked over their shoulders to see Shaedum and eight other Satyrs with the word “love” fey marked on their chests. Shaedum was laughing as they left, and was heard asking them to stay. The adventurers quickly went through the gate, and as they did, heard Shaedum cast something their way. It missed, and the party was transported through the gate and returned to Waterwood. The entire encounter took the party about an hour, but when they returned, they found that they had been gone for two days.

The cure was tested by the party and found to work. Olin has seen to it that funds have been provided to cure all half orcs in the Duchy. The disease had not yet reached outside the borders.


Dantur Releases Captives

On Friday, March 21, the patriarch vampire known as Dantur returned to Ashbury. He was searching out the then-Baron of the Ash Forest, Sir Algar, in reference to a pact that had been agreed on by both parties and Duke Bryan. The agreement entailed that for the return of Lady T’Laynia (Baron Tristan’s wife) and the children of Dame Kittery and Sir Ivan (both of which had been kidnapped late last year), Baron Algar and Duke Bryan would see to it that Dantur would have a Destroy Magic Improved cast upon him in hopes that this would rid him of his vampiric curse.

The agreement originally stated that the parties would be returned after the casting of the ritual. However, Dantur seemed somewhat remorseful for his actions, and decided it best to return them beforehand.

Dantur arrived to meet with Baron Algar, but unfortunately appeared when the undead form of Konrad was attacking the town.

Dantur that it was best to take Baron Algar at his word that the ritual would be cast, and return another day.


Healer's Guild Report

It has been a frigid yet thankfully slow month. Resurrections are at an all-time low, and many Ashbans have bode their time visiting with friends around the Duchy or playing games rather than engaging in the cold and dangerous arts of combat.

There are still many outstanding debts to the Guild awaiting payment—help with our “Spring Cleaning” and clear the books. You know who you are, and everyone else will know as well if your payment is not received soon.

The Ashbury Healer’s Guild is pleased to announce the newest Initiates to the Guild: Initiate Lude Narcisse of the Myrr Embassy; Initiate Manx Deserett of the Ducal Household; Initiate Orion Denmarsh; Initiate Drakonios Darktalon.

Thanks are due to Duke Bryan Nordenn for his generous contribution of an Alchemy Lab to the Guild. This will allow, in time, for alchemical solutions to be available to patrons of the Guild.

All Guild members please contact me regarding use of the potion and alchemy labs so a schedule can be devised.

Very special thanks to Calis, Feyd, Orion, Chandarch, Chanturi, and Gabriel, who turned over the Necromantic Ritual scroll Create Skeleton to the Guild. Necromantic scrolls and potions will be bought by the Guild at the market price to be summarily destroyed. Turn the unhappiness of such a discovery into a profit for yourself and Mother Tyrra. Necromantic Ritual Components are either bought or traded for components of like value to be used as substitutes.

The Guild is currently seeking to buy the primary components for the Rituals Spirit Farewell and Destroy Magic. Please contact the Guild with possible sales and trades.

Register and Insure yourself and others with the Guild to ease a difficult time. Please inquire in the Guild for details.

Guild business hours are Noon to 6pm, 8pm to Midnight. Resurrection hours are always. Donations gladly accepted.

Travel safely, dear Ashbans, and may you not be visitng the Guild unless it is for supplies or a cup of tea. May Mother Tyrra bear you on her back as smoothly as the earth meets the sky.

- Guildmistress Natasha Ioki, Royal Healers’ Guild of Ashbury City, Ashbury


Letters and Announcements

Citizens of Ashbury,

I would like to take this moment to thank you all for your assistance in our recent Battles with Morganna. The Common folk of Ashbury as well as many visitors gave their all to defend the Spirit Tree and save the Forest Lord, it is for this that I thank you on behalf of the all those who live in the Forest.

I would also like to announce that I will be taking the family name of my Father, Zalinarik Alfenwen, as is Amani custom. I hope that I can begin to make up for some of the wrongs perpretrated against the Duchy by my Uncle, Lorin Alfenwen, former Baron of the Ash Forest. May his Spirit Join the Tree.

I thank you again for all your assistance and offer once again the Barony of the Ash Forest to your service when it is your time of need.

Lord Konrad Alfenwen Tar-Palintir, Baron of the Ash Forest, Knight of Evendarr, Defender of Tyrra

Citizens of Ashbury,

I wish to thank you all for your efforts in the destruction of the Tree of Shades and the recovery of my lost son, Lord Cyric Aldaron Tele-mektar. I owe you all my deepest thanks.

I would also like to thank the Ex-Baron of Blythdale Tristilanus Sindarin Gil-Galen and his entourage for their concern for my well being. I may not have lived to see my son alive once again if it had not been for your help.

I also wish it known that the dark elf known as Gazarith is by my account a truly noble being and deserving of respect. Gazarith single handedly saved my life and I wish to thank him publicly.

Sir Balynthalis Wellbringer Aldaron

Elves of Ashbury,

The Ash Forest has been through a horrible fate due to the evils of Loscarnos de Morganna. A call to unite has been heard and the elves of the Ash Forest should heed it. I speak for the Quentari when I say that we will aid and guide you.

The forest is a gift, share it with each other. The cultures of the Keirgani and the Amani are both rich and glorious but very little without a forest. Your forest is in pain it needs healing, go to it. This is a sign for the Amani and Keirgani to put aside their own differances and heal both the forest’s wounds and their own. I will do what you ask of me out of love and caring, your peace is the first step towards all of us joining each other. Please spread the word, I wait for your response.

Seek the truth.

Lord Tristan Greycloak ‘Gil-Galen’

To the people of Ashbury:

I want to personally thank all who expressed concern for my condition after being captive by the vampire, Dantur. Your kindness is noted and greatly appreciated. It is a joy to be reunited with my husband, and amongst the living. However, Dantur is still about, and so his threat remains. I ask that any information or sighting of Dantur, or his two spirit minions, be communicated as quickly as possible to either myself or Tristan. Do not attack him, there is still a bargain left to finish.

Thank you again.

Lady T’Laynia Greycloak

Orcs of Ashbury,

The cure for our Tuskblight has been found. All of those with the plague must do as follows:

Drink a Cause Serious Damage elixir, receive an Eldritch Blast (fire) and an Eldritch Blast (ice) spell, receive a Cure Mortal Wounds, drink a Love 9 elixir, and then drink a Slow Poison. After one half of an hour you will be cured and may then both Purify and heal yourself.

I have sent money to all of the clans to pay for this. If there is more that is needed, seek me out.

Squire Olin Redbeard of Clan Ashenvalt, Leader of ForestWatch, Defender of Tyrra.


A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D’Onym

I’m back! Missed me?

Ex-Baron Tristan decided to play an early April Fools’ prank on Duke Bryan: “Surprise! I’m not a Baron any more!” But who to take his place? Perhaps now-Baron Kelial took Tristan aside to speak to him. . .in a private room. . .and managed to get him to “make up his mind.”

Trellheim Spirit Stored Caleb and Morlox into the bodies of reptilons—you know, our sworn enemies, who murder our people in cold blood. Not a very chivalrous thing if you ask me. Speaking of which, Dame Kittery decided that it was okay by the Code of Chivalry to go making these same “non-citizen” races nobles, thus making Ashbury not only the capital but also the laughingstock of the Duchy. Next thing you know, a kobold will be running the Ash Forest!

Apparently, the only thing Paladins respect is power,as none of the commoners I spoke to could think of anything specifically noble that Morlox has done. Then again, maybe the moral is for noble wannabes to associate with our enemies. After all, Hanson worked with trolls and was suddenly knighted.

Nobles are some rolemodels, eh? Where’s Sir Ivan when you need him? He’s been seen now and then peeking out of the bottom of a bottle.

Caleb and Modi spent a lot of time before Caleb’s big changeroo trying to convince a group of Mystic Wood elves to come to Diron for a “private party” and Modi even offered one her weight in gold. Apparently even that wasn’t enough to make the girls interested, although they did say they would “consider it.” Ha! I’ve used that line myself a few times. Hey guys, if you have to pay for it, Madam Boboinka’s isn’t that far from town.

Zatarina came up to Modi soon afterwards, gave him a big hug, and said “Your man missed me. Hope they’re aren’t any hard feelings.” Modi smiled back and said “Don’t worry, I’ll keep trying until I get it right.” Well, at least he admits it.

Azura the not-really-an-elf has an entourage of orcs following her about. Seems they found the cure for Tuskblight (thanks to Squire Olin and some “deal” he made with the Mystic Wood Elf Troubadour to open a Rift to Faeland . . .wonder if it involved checking if he was green all over) and wanted to celebrate their newfound knowledge that they weren’t going to become extinct after all by procreating the race. All those green babies, oh my. . .in any case, Sieghardt will get a chance to use that new “magic weapon” of his. Dugal will wait in line for his chance, just like he does in the Ducal Household. Lord Zachary meanwhile has been seen sparring with baby orc Sage. . .and losing.

Guildmistresses Natasha and Shalizar faced off in a late-night snowball fight recently. It was oh-so-dignified, considering their positions. One was jumping about taunting the other, saying that she had a better aim even though she is a touch-caster. You can guess who was who. Needless to say both (ahem) ladies ended up with faces full of snow.

Gypsies and Kiergani are the most popular races in the Healers’ Guild (Gypsies being first, of course). Notice there are no biata. Only a coincidence, especially when the Guildmistress was so openly furious about Hagan and Kelsea’s offers to ease Kylara’s birthing pains if they could just “get upstairs.” (I’m such an oldtimer around here, I remember when the biata ran the Guild and the gypsies ran the tavern, not the other way around!)

By the way, did I hear right? Natasha has accepted convicted necromancer Lude Narcisse as an initiate into the Guild? Boy, she must really be desperate.

I’m still wondering how will Squire Gwynne feel about Sir Radric’s race change. (By the way, it’s now month seven of Radric Watch.)

Lord Hanson has a new hat which didn’t even intimidate Morganna. I think the notorious vampire was too busy keeping tabs on his bretheren, especially Findrago. I think that boy will play cards with anybody. Wait for the next meeting of the Millenia Club and see who is sitting at the table.

Squire Tavernier needs to be commended on his nifty new hat as well. He collected the plume form ex-Baron Justice McCoy. It was a leftover after Justice finished “stuffing his pillows.” Funny—haven’t seen that pesky Onyx for a while. . .

The Military District of Trellheim was heard complaining that the Barony of the Ash Forest took all of their toys recently. Well, perhaps someday that “trickle-down”effect will take place when the nobles shalt start being generous and shalt be giving freely to everyone, but hey, those components to turn yourself into monsters are expensive!

A group of Ashbans recently fought tooth and nail over a golden rock. Tarabelle came out on top, however, snatching what looked like a huge skull for herself. Ironic that she would want it so desperately considering the word Sarr means “head.”

The Dragon’s Flagon staff was out hunting for dinner ingredients recently and all they could come up with was a necromantic bunny rabbit. Shayloree thought it would be perfect as a pet (considering her propensities for using necromancy) but now that the Tree of Shades is destroyed, it’s just a regular rabbit again and Ambassador Aravis Sharoud might just eat it if it’s left hopping about the Myrr Embassy.

Peace-loving Ashbans greeted warmly the friendly-looking gnoll who came to town recently. He got about as far as “Hi my name is. . .” before his throat disappeared from beneath his head. So much for “piece” between the peoples. . .better reduce the Four Peoples to the Three Peoples if this keeps up.

Kylara and Wilhelm were really going at it recently, though not as Kylara might have liked. Seems Wilhelm wants to teach young Conrad Neumacht to be as celibate as he is! All he wanted to do was steal the child away in an orderly fashion, but you know gypsies, and Mom sure isn’t orderly so she gave him a bit of a fuss over it. Wilhelm took out his. . .um. . .frustrations by recruiting for his Order of the Dragon and made Marr the newest Dragonette. Farmers all over the duchy are breathing a sigh of relief and offering to free up the courts by dropping all of those livestock charges.

The Deep Trolls visiting Ashbury asked the Flagon if they could serve the Sunless Empire’s delicacy Grelschmok. Captain Morgan Sunstar (recently employed as Ambassador to the Trolls) was eager to partake in this dish again, which he first tried during his diplomatic mission to Trollsgate. However, he quickly changed his order when he realized that Grelschmok smelled a lot like Modi on a hot day. Dwarven King Kelanor meanwhile, accompanied by local dwarf Gilwing, kept trying to get Morgan to drink an Enslavement antidote, as it was incomprehensible to him that anyone would ever trust a troll.

Orion and Chandarch (excuse the spelling, I couldn’t exactly get him to spell it for me since he can’t read) were “allegedly” Fae Cursed and spoke to Lord “a new title every week!” Aloryn. The half ogre told Aloryn that he could wipe the floor with him, and Orion readily agreed. Good thing Aloryn and Sir/Undead/Baron/Whatever Konrad believed Orion when he lied that he wasn’t Cursed to tell the truth, or lie, or something like that. I love Nobility. . .so trusting and, well, maybe gullible is the word I’m looking for. These two commoners, along with Gabriel, Chanturi, Feyd, and Calis, kindly supplied the Healers’ Guild with yet another necromantic Ritual Scroll a few weeks ago, this time Create Skeleton. They actually believed that it was being bought to be destroyed. Money talks, skeletons walk.

That’s all I have room for this month. Thank you all who contributed to my column, and until next month, remember—If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.


Public Notices

FREE DETECT MAGICS cast at the Ashbury Mages’ Guild every hour on the half hour during Guild hours. (Listen for the bell.) Hours are noon - 6pm and 8pm-midnight. Also: Magic items identified, Ritual Components researched, scrolls bought and sold, Rituals cast.

LORD MORLOX NIGHTSHADE: Congratulations my friend, a well deserved title earned. – Squire Captain Yngvar Holindarn

BARON KONRAD: Thank you for saving my life. – Guildmistress Natasha Ioki

IF YOU ARE OWED by Tavern or Commoners Guild for hours worked or other transactions please come see Kelsea or Zatarina.

BARON KELIAL: Congratulations. It is hoped that this is truly what you wished for.

THANK YOU to all who helped me in my time of need; you know who you are. I never knew so many people cared. We mothers of Ashbury showed that we can stick together. – Kylara

NICADEMUS and his Mystic Wood Elves are under the protection of Clan MacMorna. Anybody who would seek to harm them will be given no quarter or mercy. We will not allow what happened at the last gathering to happen again.– James MacMorna

THE ASHBURY HEALERS’ GUILD is accepting applications for membership. Stop by the Guild or send correspondence to make an appointment.

WILHELM: Bear, Gryphon, Dolphin, Phoenix, Bull, Pegasus, Serpent, Salamander, Unicorn, Raven, Turtle, Dragon. No Horse. I should charge you but I won’t.

BODYGUARDS wanted and available. See Zatarina at the Dragon’s Flagon Friday nights. Inexperienced adventurers accepted; we will help get you training and help you organize.

TO A YOUNG ONE: I wanted you to know that I am very proud of what you did. May Tyrra soften your step. – Guildmistress Natasha Ioki

HELP WANTED: Tavern help needed. Good pay, benefits, Please contact Kelsea.

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new Apprentice: Vian and the following promotion to Senior Guildsman: Modi Ioki, Military District of Trellheim