The Ashbury Times

April/May 607

“All The News That Fits, We Print”


Adventurers Reclaim Bera’s Outpost;

Dwarven Artifact Destroyed

 

When the adventurers of Ashbury arrived to investigate the archaeolgical dig at Bera’s Outpost recently, they found the entire camp overrun with trolls.

In addition, it became apparent that the trolls had “employed” the use of kobolds as trap-setters and front-line fodder.

Once the adventurers retook the campsite, the next step was to head to the archaeological dig, and clear that of trolls as well.

It was here that the Ashbans first encountered the relic known as the Tooth of Jarlan. Dwarven legend has it that the tooth was made when a strange ritual merged a dwarf by the name of Jarlan and a troll who were locked in battle. Down in the cavern of the dig the adventurers found the relic.

A conflict arose between the dwarves present, Flint and Tinder Boulderback and Lieutentant Ithica, a human originally from Tusnia. Ithica attempted to leave the dig quickly with the relic, which the adventurers quickly dubbed “the tooth” in the dark and confustion allies were confused for enemies, though with the mediation of Baron Ivan Drake the conflict was resolved.

The Tooth had some stranger properties, including rifting itself beyond the boundaries of eldritch barriers such as Wards and circles. During the day it also shunned all but dwarves and trolls. This became a problem later, when the adventurers and the kobolds attempted to turn the tables on the trolls.

Earlier in the day Lt. Ithica of the Ash Forest Army met with one of the leaders of the kobolds, who explained that they were being forced to fight by the trolls. He also told the adventurers that the trolls were planning to march down and attack the camp. Ithica then called in the consult of Baron Ivan.

Together a plan was hatched: some of the kobolds would lay on the ground and possum while the rest engaged in mock battle with the adventurers, and when the trolls had passed the possums, the trap would be sprung. In return for helping, the kobods would be protected, and allowed to attend the evening feast.

The plan worked perfectly and the stunned trolls were now being attacked from both flanks. The battle turned for the worse however when the relic rifted in during the battle, dangerously near some powerful trolls, who immediatly grabbed it and fled into the woods.

Ithica, Wik and a few other adventurers went in search of the trolls’ other hideouts. Through “questioning” two trolls they discovered the new location of the relic, and in their travels did return with Skarak Jarlan, the descendent of the Jarlan entrapped within the tooth.

Earlier in the day Aven, Sgt. Ignatious, Flint and Tinder translated some runes in the dig, which revealed that it was he that would be able to destroy the relic. The Ashbans then went to retrieve the Tooth, and the battle was hard fought, and some of the Ashbans resurrected, including Skarak. Luckily, his spirit found its way to the circle and he resurrected successfully.

Late that night the three dwarves met, and the relic was destroyed with the help of Skarak’s blood. As the tooth crumbled, the spirit of Jarlan emerged. Before he faded away, he thanked his grandson, as well as Flint and Tinder for restoring honor to the family.

Rumors have been filtering in from Deathwatch that a troll towering as high as a barn could be seen that night, but it disappeared shortly thereafter.

 


Ashbans Deal Dominion Devastating Defeat

 

On a cold evening on what should have been a warm spring night in Trellheim, several heroes of Ashbury captured a gryphon from the Dominion.  Sergeant Ignatious Vex and Recruit Aven of The Untiring Phalanx along with several others were responsible for this brave act.

It seems the Dominion took great offense at this, and went to great lengths to get the gryphon back. A few dozen adventurers were in the area, but there seemed to be no wards available.  The honorless Dominion cowards fell upon the sleeping adventurers and slaughtered many, forcing them to resurrect.  However, throughout the ordeal the intrepid adventurers managed to retain the captured gryphon.

The next morning, the gryphon was presented to Duke Frost, whose order it had been to capture a Dominion gryphon.  His Grace ordered no one to interfere as he healed and woke  the unconscious beast.  A battle of both physical strength and of willpower ensued, with the duke barely emerging victorious.  The gryphon, a creature raised to be a tool of war and destruction, seemed to be subdued.  Throughout the morning, the gryphon remained with the Duke of its own accord and seemed to be somewhat calm, though still very dangerous.

The adventurers were also informed that a large force of the Dominion’s army was on its way to get the gryphon back and claim retribution for the “wrong” Ashbury had perpertrated upon them.  A three prong attack was expected.  The Untiring Phalanx was sent to head one off, while The Unseen Phalanx set up an ambush for another.  The adventurers set up an ambush for the third, with the duke and the gryphon as bait.

Soon the Dominion forces arrived.  The duke parlayed with their leaders and made it quite clear that the gryphon would not be returned.  no longer served their evil ends.

 The gryphon masters from the Dominion attempted to cajole and dominate the gryphon with their voices, but to no avail.  They referred to it as a beast and a creature.  Duke Frost was heard to refer to the gryphon as a child and a boy.

The Dominion then charged and the adventurers sprung their trap.  One force led by Ignatious attacked the right flank while another force led by Squire Sparticous of the Ash Forest collapsed the other.  The adventurers successfully routed the smallest but most highly trained force of the three without losses, and in fact a second gryphon was captured.  The two ducal phalanxes managed to drive off the enemy, but with moderate losses.

It seems Ashbury has now given the Dominion reason to fear, having found a way to neutralize one of their most powerful weapons, not to mention liberating the enslaved creature.

 


Tracking the Oathring

 

As reported in the last Ashbury Times, the Oathring of the Vansir has been stolen.

There has been no sign of the Oathring from reports of the Wolf and Fox Tribe. Anund’s best scouts had been sent to Bera’s Outpost in hope that maybe the thief would be looking for something in the ancient city as well.

Unfortunately, from the words of the Fox scouting party, there was no sign, or even trace that someone had come from the area. It remains a mystery.

As the adventurers head to the Vansir lands in order to compete in the Tournament, it is hoped that perhaps some word may come as to where the Oathring may be, and perhaps the adventurers and nobles of Ashbury will assist in its recovery.


Surprise Attack Claims Life of Bear Clan Chieftan

 

by Thanos Greytongue

In lieu of the Oathring being stolen, Jotun attacks have been on the rise. As if feeling the Vansir homeland slipping, these horrible creatures have been rifting into our sacred areas and terrorizing our people.

It is with a heavy, but pride-filled heart that I offer to you now the song for Chief Bram of the Bear tribe, who was slain permanently in battle fighting valiantly against the Jotuns; the sworn enemy of the Vansir.

Late evening, the Bear tribe was unfortunately taken by surprise by a large encumbrance of Jotuns, who ransacked the sleeping lodges and managed to somehow get passed the inner guard. Bram led a group of his best Warrior Caste, including his daughter, Tyrn IronMaw, against the attackers. The Bear Tribe’s hard fought Berserkers finally pushed back the flood, but not without a huge cost: Bram’s body dissipated before any could get to him.  In turn after a few moments, Bram’s body reappeared, permanently slain.

The funeral for Chief Bram will be held on the opening day of the Tournament, as to allow friends to travel and wish him well to the Einherjahr.  In his place, his daughter Tyrn IronMaw will reside over the tournament proceedings, until such a time as a new chieftain is put into place by the Bear Tribe’s Elders.


 

Farmers Aid Trolls

 

After scouts discovered several abandoned farms in the path of troll war parties in Bera’s Outpost, Baron Ivan Drake assigned several groups with the task of investigating.  Due to the suddenly rising waters of a wide stream that had to be crossed, only Squire Koshi’s group managed to reach one of the farms.

Leading a group that consisted of Corwyn, Garathon, Nathan, Wick and Keim, Squire Koshi dispatched a small troll scouting party before encountering a band of bandits blocking the way.  Using the wide stream as a barrier, the brigands kept the adventurers at bay for nearly an hour.  These bandits are likely associated with the Trellie Boys, a loosely organized criminal organization known to be active in the Trellheim region.  After successfully passing the bandits, the adventuring party made their way through difficult, spider-infested terrain and finally to the farm.

The farmers, a husband and wife, claimed to be unconcerned about the trolls in the area, but further investigation revealed that they were harboring the beasts.  Several trolls leaped out from behind the barn and attacked, only to be destroyed by the heroes.  The greedy farmer stumbled back toward the barn, unwittingly asking the trolls for his share of the adventurers’ booty, and was chased deep into the woods.  At long last, the party managed to capture and kill the evil farmer and then returned to Bera’s Outpost safely.

 


News from Around the Duchy

 

In Eldor, Ash Forest, an arsonist continues to elude authorities and has set more fires.  No one has been injured due to the fires, but three more buildings have been destroyed. 

Anti-human graffiti continues to spring up throughout Entholm, Ash Forest, angering local residents.

A giant beast was seen at the borders of several estates, including Firwood (Nordenn), Vornithalin (Ash Forest) and Ector (Blythedale). The few who have seen it, mostly farmers, recall a fast moving beast that swallowed entire cows in single bites. The town guard dispatched to check out the incident was unable to find the monster, but reported finding tracks of huge footsteps that ended abruptly. The residents in these estate are extremely nervous and are calling for assistance. 

In Waterwood, a wedding between a Stone Elf and a Child of Camulous maiden was interrupted by protesters claiming that the maiden is under the influence of a spell or potion.  The two families are calling upon local authorities to intervene.

The prominent Grist family in Kiri-Ashton has an unsettled a business dispute with two local mushroom-growing families, the Fiths and the Treenans.  Tubby Grist, the patriarch of the family, claims that the Fiths and the Treenans owe his family a significant amount of money and that he will “do whatever it takes” to collect.

The two companies in Crystal Falls who are bidding for the rights to mine the new gem deposits are anxiously awaiting for the work to be awarded.  Both Hershander Company and Bleyman & Sons believe they have the winning bid.

It is said that wagering on illegal wagon races has become a popular pasttime in Fenwyck and there are rumors that local crime syndicates are profiting.


 

Corner of Chivalry: What is a Lie?

 

Recently, Sir Eros Clearbrook brought up an interesting topic of discussion regarding the sixth tenet of the Code of Chivalry (“Thou Shalt Never Lie and Thou Shalt Remain Faithful to Thy Word.”). 

What exactly is a lie?  Is telling someone that they look nice today a lie if you don’t really mean it?  Or what if you say to someone, “It’s good to see you!” when perhaps maybe it isn’t.  If a lie is a deception, then is one breaking the Code if they deceive someone on the battlefield by means of a sneak attack?  Isn’t feigning a sword strike high, then attacking low a deception?  Therefore, would that be a lie?

During the expedition to Bera’s Outpost, I saw one of our soldiers stranded behind enemy lines as we fought against the trolls.  I knew this honorable soldier would likely resurrect if nothing was done to rescue him. It was dark, so I shambled stiffly around  the enemy line, trying to move as troll-like as possible.  I believe I even growled, hoping to fool the trolls into thinking I was one of their own.  Of course, wearing the bright white moons of Blythedale on my tabard made my deception unlikely to succeed, but somehow I was not stopped by the dim-witted trolls.  I managed to reach the soldier without incident and bring him back to our side of the battlefield for healing. 

I do not tell this story to glorify my actions.  In fact, I am quite bothered by the fact that I used deception and I willingly offer myself to the Paladins for judgment.  But would I repeat this deception if I found myself in a similar situation?  I believe so.  To me, the life of that brave soldier outweighs the punishment I might receive for potentially breaking the Code. 

But this dilemma does give me an opportunity to reflect upon my interpretation of the sixth tenet.  I am always bothered by the “greater good” argument as I generally believe that sacrificing principles often undermines the principles themselves.  One must be vigilant in defending the tenets of the Code of Chivalry at all times.  And if one finds themselves in a “grey area” (as I believe I may be), then it is their duty to reflect upon their actions and seek guidance from the Paladins.


 

Sage’s Guild Report

 

By Cedric Fruvous

With the cold and snow of winter, events in Ashbury City and Dara’s Grace have slowed considerably. Now that the snows are melting and spring is upon us again, our enemies shall surely renew their wars, discoveries will again start to be made, and historical events again to take place and we in the guild look forward to aiding the people of Ashbury in all of these events to the best of our ability.

In addition to research and library services the Sage’s Guild offers sale of armor, weapons, potions and alchemy as supplies allow, rental of our spell or alchemy books for study, teaching on nearly any topic, and Celestial spellcrafting. If you wish to have rituals spellcrafted you will have to provide the scroll and reagents to be used or rent the scroll from the Guild, and will need to contact myself or Sage Aria to prearrange spellcrafting. At current we have two scrolls that can be rented for spellcrafting, Warder Glyph and Spirit Store. The cost of performing a spellcraft will be a base of two gold crowns or one reagent, and will raise proportionately based on the difficulty of the ritual being spellcrafted. The Sage’s Guild is currently looking to purchase Lore,

Vision, Circle of Power, and Investiture ritual scrolls. We are also working on compiling a tome of monsters, tome of undead and compendium of golems so that we may better educate up and coming warriors on the vulnerabilities of monsters. If you are a veteran warrior who tends to remember the abilities of those you vanquish please take a moment to speak with Guildmaster Cedric about this project. The Sage’s Guild also offers to buy tomes and other scholastic works from freelance scholars. If you have such a work you’d like to sell please make contact with us.

 


 

Public Notices

 

SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED. We are 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 Squire Sparticous, Paythin or Lira.