The Ashbury Times

January - May 610

“All The News That Fits, We Print”

 


Villagers Transformed into Undead

 

On a recent Saturday night, Sheriff Holst sent a group of adventurers led by the newly squired Flint and Squire Garathon of Blythedale to a military retirement community a few miles outside of Fairdale to investigate why no one from the community has been heard from recently.  The group included Garathon’s wife Elara, the Kergani Leona, Guildmaster Nathan Westwind, and the mysterious wandering healer known as Kaim. 

The group arrived at the settlement to find the gates to the main street had seemingly been forced open from the inside as if something had broken its way out, or perhaps blown the gates open from the inside.  Initially, the group found no signs of life on the streets of the community and began searching the houses within.  Each dwelling housed several types of undead, including cackling corpses, death’s heads, and other undead horrors.  However, it became clear after the first battle that this was something more than your average undead infestation.  The undead were not crumbling to dust after being defeated.  The bodies lay in heaps where they fell and in minutes, they dissipated as if they were living bodies, off to resurrect at an earth circle nearby.  The healers checked for metabolism in the dead, tried first aid, attempted to heal them with earth magic but to no avail.  One by one, the bodies all dissipated and the fate of this community began to take shape in the adventurer’s minds. 

They proceeded to the next house and the next, to see if anyone in the settlement had not been transformed.  In each house they found the same, a few undead, perhaps enough to be the family that once lived in each house, attacking the party on site.  When they were slain, they fell like the living though they retained their undead attributes until they dissipated.  The squires discussed the moral implications of attacking the changed townsfolk and the group debated how to find out what had been done to them to determine if there was another way to change them back to normal. 

It was decided that they would attempt to prison one of the undead and bring it back to town to look for a way to reverse the process for the remaining townsfolk.  The Guildmaster would use his golem body strength and speed to carry the prisoned undead back to town quickly and safely.  This plan, however, never came to fruition.  As the group began leaving the settlement what appeared to be an active Ward spell was seen on one of the buildings and when the group approached, cries of pain and despair were heard from someone within.

A townsperson had apparently Warded himself in his home after being turned undead.  He retained his intelligence and memories and begged for the group to flee from him and this place so that he would not hurt them.  The squires spoke with the man trying to calm him and obtain information about what had happened to the town.  The man told the Squires that the settlement had been experimented on and turned undead but little else was learned between the man’s screams as he continued to plead with the squires to leave or kill him so he would not hurt anyone.  The rest of the group were discussing what to do next, how to get the prisioned undead back to town, and toiling over the fate of the townspeople when they heard, too late that the squires had convinced the man to let them into the Ward promising him the death he wished for. 

After slaying the man as promised, the squires finally realized the flaw in their plan when they attempted to leave.  The Ward was, of course, still up, trapping them inside.  The group erupted into argument over what to do next, with an angry Guildmaster killing the undead he still had prisioned, knowing now that the plan to bring it back to town had been negated and a solution to the problem of the trapped squires had more pressing need.  When one of the group mentioned that the barrier could be a Wizard Lock instead of a Ward, the Guildmaster snapped that he hadn’t brought any Dispel scrolls and had not memorized it either.  The group decided quickly to run back to Fairdale to retrieve a Dispel scroll and get backup in case any undead remained in the town. 

Seeking discretion, the Guildmaster spoke privately with Sir Daniel Star, who teased the frustrated wizard for not having a dispel scroll or spell memorized and proceeded to bring a great force comprised of himself, Baron Drake, Ithica, and others to bring aid to the trapped squires. 

The settlement was deserted save for the squires when the force arrived, and luckily for them, the barrier was indeed a Wizard Lock, and not a Ward.  The Guildmaster dispelled it, and the squires received much ribbing from the knights and their Baron who had come to bail them out of their blunder.

However, all business with the settlement was not yet complete when the Guildmaster found that the body of the man who the squires had slain in his undead form was still laying where it had fallen long after it should have dissipated if the man were going to resurrect.  The corpse was permanently dead and rotting quickly now that the magic which had animated it was gone.  The Guildmaster picked up the body and rushed it back to his circle to identify any remaining traces of the magic which was used in the experiments the man had talked about.  A faint trace of an unknown necromantic magic was leaving the body when he identified it, and the Guildmaster reported this to the party and assembled nobility. 

Wishing to dispose of the remains respectfully, the Guildmaster requested permission from Baron Ivan to bury the man in the Fairdale cemetery.  After a brief encounter with angry gnolls along the way, the Guildmaster was escorted to the cemetery by Squire Flint, Amaranthus, Grimm the dwarf, and a few others who paid their respects at a small ceremony the Squire officiated for the unnamed retired ducal soldier. 

  


Vampire’s Tomb Discovered

 

Recently, after scouting deep in the high places of the contested lands near Fairdale, a trail of blood was discovered that led to a cave sealed shut by thick rock.  Believing the cave was the sanctuary of a vampire, a party consisting of Evie, Qualin, Wick, Squire Raven, and Drak traveled to the cave entrance with Grimm the dwarf who brought his mining tools, and Guildmaster Nathan Westwind in his Golem body.  Grimm inspected the sealed rock and the group decided the fastest way to get in and drag the vampire into the sunlight was for Grimm to create hand holds in the rock surface and the Guildmaster to tear the boulders out of the way with his Golem strength.

When the rock had been cleared by the Guildmaster, the party (save Grimm who remained outside as a lookout) entered, led by Qualin. They found a very old looking vampire in a Circle of Power waiting for them.  He named himself Ryordenn and asked who the adventurers were and from what lands did they hail.   He did not know the baronies of Ashbury, nor the heraldry which the adventurers bore and asked if they were at war with Icenia as he was.  Qualin quickly told the vampire that we were traveling mercenaries looking for work and that Icenia was at war with a force called the Dominion, whose forces had been spotted nearby.  The vampire did not know of the Dominion but seemed intrigued to know more about the enemies of Icenia.  Qualin suggested the group join the forces of the vampire to fight Icenia, and as a token of their intentions, the group would capture a Dominon soldier and return with it so the vampire could learn more about them.  The vampire agreed to this, and the party left the cave and retreated into the woods. 

Qualin asked Grimm if he would act as bait for the vampire, pretending that he was the captured Dominion solder (knowing the vampire did not have knowledge of the type of forces the Dominion employed).  He agreed, and took quite a beating from Qualin before he was dragged back to the vampire’s cave. 

Unfortunately, the vampire had erected multiple walls of force on the cave entrance when the party returned, and the vampire did not seem to believe the party and their decoy.  Qualin dispelled both walls and threw himself at the vampire attacking it several times while the rest of the party destroyed the circle before it could return to it.  The vampire became gaseous, and was solidified and attacked again before it finally became gaseous a second time and escaped through cracks in the cave wall.  Grimm examined the cave and instructed the Guildmaster on where to break the rock to open the wall safely, and the Guildmaster used his Golem’s strength to break apart the wall which opened into small network of chambers where the vampire escaped too small for a physical body to fit into. 

Not wanting the vampire to return to his haven, the Guildmaster collapsed the cave after the party had made it safely out.

 


Spiders Attack

 

Fairdale was recently struck by large spiders with twisted forms – they possessed features of various citizen races. 

When most of the adventurers had gone to bed, an especially large spider, described as “horse sized” and having the traits of Gorbe, Orc, and spider by many, waited under the the Black Stag balcony.  As unsuspecting townsfolk headed to bed, the massive beast sprung from its hiding spot and grabbed Qiu Jun-Wu, and jumped off the side of the balcony.  Avian Toth, traveling companion to the captured Twilight Elf, grabbed on to keep his friend from being dragged away but was also pulled over the edge in the struggle.  The assembled adventurers quickly mobilized and ran to the base of the stairs where there were other spiders waiting but after a brief scuffle, Qiu Jun-Wu was dragged into a hole in the ground not far off. 

A rescue party consisting of Lord Amaranthus Landcharmer, Avian, Squire Man-at-Arms Flint Boulderback, and a few other adventurers quickly jumped in after the assailants.  After the party jumped in, the hole seemed to cave in behind them. 

It is unclear exactly what was down the hole or what transpired, but Qiu Jun-Wu was rescued, and all returned with apparently little injury.  The spiders returned in force again and again over the next few days, crawling out of holes in the ground and trying to drag people in, and reports from Fairdale indicate that the attacks have continued to this day.

It has been rumored that the spiders want to collect the blood of the adventurers for unknown purposes.

 


Adventures Halt Wylderkin Vigilantism

 

The Sheriff was seen recruiting Sir Ulthoc, Lord Amaranthus Landcharmer for a mission to a local Kin hamlet.  Apparently the locals there have been taking the law into their own hands. 

A small party was assembled including Kerrigwen, Avian Toth, and Qiu Jun-Wu.  Upon arrival the band apparently interrupted a court proceeding concerning a suspected necromancer.  After deeming the court illegal, Sir Ulthoc and Lord Amaranthus began negotiations with the Owlkin in charge, apparently some sort of a judge. 

After some convincing the Owl, decided to put Icenia on trial to determine if the Kin Village should accept the Kingdoms Laws or not.  There were no eyewitness adventurers to comment but a kin interviewed said that Lord Amaranthus and Qiu Jun-Wu were chosen to represent IceniaAmaranthus spoke concerning the benefits of the Kingdom and “the elf guy spouted something boring about laws.”  After the proceedings, and some “very convincing” arguments from the local “barristers,” the Judge made her decision: The Kin Village accepted Icenia’s terms and will begin negotiations to merge themselves into the kingdom properly. 

After the close of the proceedings. the Kin performed a very strange local custom... a dance or “jiggy” was held and they demanded that the Icenian representatives join them.  It gets fuzzy from here but sources said that “the one with the long ears made the one with the feathers do it so that my other friends wouldn't get angry.” 


Eat the Vegetables Before They Eat You!

 

Recently large shambling mounds of vegetation have been attacking Fairdale.  They seem quite resistant to conventional attacks, requiring a great many blows to fell. 

Recently, a large number wandered through Fairdale, eating townspeople caught in their path.  After the local defender’s arms grew tired, the local healers, tired of cleaning up after the monsters, came up with their own solution: a death spell. 

Though some adventurers were frustrated at the waste of life spells on “walking cabbages”, one observer overheard the following logic: “One death spell now, or two life spells later when people get eaten.”


Plague Outbreak in Vorak’s Peak;  Duke Urges Citizens Not to Panic

 

In the past few months, scattered reports have come in from Vorak’s Peak and regions of Tower Hills of a sickness which drives its victims mad. At first, the reports were waved aside as exaggeration or rural superstition, but as contact was lost with more and more villages, the seriousness of the disease became apparent. The Royal Healer’s Guild sent a convoy of disease specialists to Vorak’s Peak to assess the disease, help the victims and try to find a cure. Two dozen healers set out for Vorak’s Peak. Nine returned. The survivors told nightmarish stories of how their colleagues were eaten alive by crazed villagers.

Another team was sent out, this time with a military escort. What they found confirmed the most terrifying of the rumors. Those infected with the plague were turning into madmen with bestial strength and a ravenous hunger for human flesh. Villagers have dubbed the plague “The Red Madness,” for the reddish, bubbling blotches that appear on the skin of the victims.

There is no cure in sight and the plague is spreading. Duke Frost has ordered the evacuation of the healthy, and has diverted whatever military forces he can spare to contain the infected. But the war in Trellheim continues to rage, occupying the army, which is already spread thin.

“The people of Ashbury must not give in to panic.” Duke Frost told sources, “The situation is being contained. This, like any other plague, will run its natural course and pass.” Until then, the Duke sends out a general order to travelers and tradesmen to stay away from infected areas.


Magistrate’s Report

 

As a Squire's Task, I, Sparticous, was asked to stand in on a trial as Magistrate.  I at all times had Lord Magistrate Sir Eros Clearbrook at my side to defer to.  I will tell you, I do not envy Sir Eros’ job.

For those who are not aware, this past gathering, Darkan of the Stormblades was on trial for the Murder of Jarrin, and Andros of the Stormblades was on trial for Conspiracy to commit Murder.  Darkan was found guilty of Murder, and Andros was found not guilty of Conspiracy.

The verdict of guilty was reached on Darkan’s case through the layout of how the murder took place and Ket’s testimony.  Jarrin was murdered in the sleeping quarters of the tavern.  The Stormblades had a ward in that area, myself and the Court of the Ash Forest had a ward in the area, as well as Landiara (who was tending the tavern that night). 

As Landiara retired for bed, he saw Ket retire for the night to his varda.  A short while after Landiara had laid down for bed he heard heavy foot fall outside his door in the area where Jarrin was sleeping. He then heard the heavy foot fall walk away. I and the rest of the Court of the Ash Forest were in the tavern till the early hours of the morning. No one had walked past us into the sleeping quarters while we were in the tavern. 

Ket’s testimony had provided the motive.  Ket had witnessed an altercation in the recent past between Jarrin and the Stormblades over a magic item which Jarrin had kept from the spoils of a battle both parties were part of.  This had caused enough bad blood that the Stormblades had confided with Ket that they were going to rig the building which Jarrin was sleeping in with explosive traps.  What had stopped them was Ket was staying in the same building and they didn’t want to bring harm to him. 

Andros could not have committed the murder, because he was with Sheriff Hoslt from early the night of the murder into early afternoon the next day.  Sheriff Hoslt did testify for Andros’ whereabouts.

Andros was found not guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder due to the lack of any evidence that Darkan had told Andros, or any member of the Stormblades that he was going to murder Jarrin, or that he had murdered Jarrin.

Squire Sparticous

 


Mages’ Guild Report

 

The Golem Project: 

The Guild has received Ducal permission for those wizards who assisted in the creation of our Mercury Golem to spirit store into it using High Magics.  The standard rules for the use of the Golem, and traveling in it while spirit stored apply, and if you don’t know what those are, you should meet with me to discuss them.  Wizards wishing to use the Golem for spirit store or other tasks should contact me to schedule a time to do so.  The Guild also still has the Iron Man Golem available for tasks as well, and again, guildsmen interested in using the golem should contact me with their requests. 

I have been practicing the high magic of spirit storing into our Mercury Golem the past few months and would be happy to share insight with other wizards on the experience.  There is a great deal to learn about it that is not contained in ritual scrolls such as training your spirit to not eat, sleep, or breathe while in the golem, remembering to feed and protect your body while your spirit is away, and much more.  Needless to say this experiment has been a great success and I am hard at work in recording my findings on the matter.

 

Guild Meetings:

Due to the majority of our membership on leave still from the winter, the Guild did not hold a formal meeting this past gathering, but all those members who checked in with the Guild did receive points for doing so. 

I understand that the Regent has requested adventures travel to Evorra for a gathering at which, I cannot attend.  As such, we shall again, hold no official meeting at the next gathering.  As soon as I have information on when the next meeting shall be, I will announce the meeting publicly. 

Anyone interested in presenting papers, topics, or discussions for future meetings, please contact me, I’d be interested in hearing your ideas.

 

Member News: 

I would like to congratulate Squire Raven for achieving the rank of Guildsman this past gathering.  He was instrumentally helpful to me and a constant asset to the Guild which netted him the remaining points he needed to achieve his ascension.  This means, of course, that Guildsman Raven will now be available to take on new apprentices for the Guild (so long as doing so does not interfere which his duties as Squire), so any initiates still seeking a guildsman to apprentice them may seek him out, or any other active guildsman to make your request.

 

Wizard Nathan Westwind

Guildmaster, Fairdale Mage’s Guild

Elemental Warden of Icenia

 


Healers’ Guild Report

This past month was very busy for the Healers’ Guild. Our new time for our guild meeting time went well with a lot of success. Since this went so well I will be continuing the special coffee, eggs, and a different special food as well. We will also keep having baked goods for sale in the tavern as well. We will keep having a soup, bread and butter in the tavern. We are open to food suggestions to help keep the citizens healthy.  

Exciting news for us is that our member “Balls” was raised to the rank of invested member. His excitement was almost scary. The Guild has a long custom of at having at least one invested member in a quick run distance of the Circle at all times for protection of the weak. So with this new investiture, I might even be able to get out more. What a novel idea.

The Guild has also had more people pass our testing to join. To pass, one must prove they are honest and honorable enough to be one of us. So we are proud to welcome Coal, Haestra, Minah, Lolsen, Raauna, Nicole Merik, Alexander Vorik, and Anna Rainwillow. It is so wonderful to see so many people joining us in our dedication to life.

On a separate note, three people failed our pre screening and two failed the interview process. Hopefully these people will grow to be able to pass at another time. For those wishing to join, please see me before noon on Saturdays since the process usually start at 1 pm.

New Guild rules were voted in as official:

1.   Resurrections are only done by Guild members. During such a time, no one beyond members is allowed in the Circle. The door will also be closed. All communications are done through the door guard. We will be placing seating outside the guild in a waiting area. Sorry for an irritation in this matter but a calm atmosphere is necessary to a good resurrection.

2.   We have a huge candy and baked selection. All we ask are donations so we can replenish such. Those partaking of our goods and not contributing so could find themselves banned from our open hospitality.

3.   During the summer months, we will keep cold ale and wine in the Guild available for all for a small price. I can not list prices because much of what we will be having will be from our various Guild friends and members and will depend on the costs of the drinks to us. Ice added will be extra.

4.   To be a spellcrafted invested member, one must have a minimum of two Life spells. For a permanent investiture of adventurers with many talents, you must have at least three Life spells. A pure healer must have at least five Life spells. Exception requests must be voted on by all invested members.

5.   To sleep in the Guild, one must be a permanently invested member.

6.   I must hire someone to collect coin for my healing since I am no longer able to financially support the guild.

7.   Invested members must donate about half of their spells to support the guild.

8.   Non invested members must be willing to donate a fourth of their spells to support the Guild. Exceptions at this level can be made due to various circumstances.

9.   We will strictly enforce old rules and no longer be lax. The Guild can no longer afford Guild money to use for resurrections, which use silver as a component.

10. Those who leave dirty dishes will be charged one gold per item. The person washing dishes will be compensated by the guild from this fund.

11. The Guild will now charge 4 gold for enslavement and Euphoria antidotes.

12. Full guild books will only be sold to Guild members. Only non-full books can be sold to those who are not part of the Guild. Books will go for a minimum of one gold per level. Keep in mind to barter is preferred; we can always accept donations of components and potions in exchange for spell books.

For the next month, I (with a group of others) will be in Bloodstone finalizing some business. I will be back in two months. I will be bringing back many more flowers as well as waterlilies for the pond. Until I see you all again may your days be good and your nights be without incident.

 

Zaterina N. Norik

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

By Sue D’Onym

Hello, dearies!  Time for another installment of the News They Don’t Want You To Know!

Unfortunately, once again, hardly anyone has given me comments that I can use.  What is a gossip columnist to do?  I know you all love my column but I can’t do it without you.

I heard that Sparticous was sent to The Elder Wood when he “permanently” died. Obviously, it didn’t turn out to be so permanent.  He is awfully friendly with the elves, and I heard he’s even looking for a Racial Transformation ritual scroll and catalyst! I think it’s some kind of mid-life crisis. Maybe death made him begin to feel his mortality! Next he’ll buy a big, shiny sword or take up his life long dream of becoming a bard.

Flint Boulderback asked the Fairdale Healers’ Guild to send a healer to observe his combat training session with several Ducal Soldiers.  Guildmistress Zatarina told him that the guild was too busy, and to “come back later.”  Hearing this, visiting Twilight Elf Qiu Jun-Wu, apparently a Healers’ Guildmaster from another land, seemed annoyed and answered the call himself, even joining in the training at one point.

Speaking of Flint, as soon as Aven and Ignatious were knighted (and congratulations!), he and Tinder became squires.  Hey, I thought the Paladins had to approve squires first?  We’ll see how this plays out!

Xapano Corak from Bloodstone had a secret meeting with the local biata in the Healers Guild recently, and apparently they discussed Daniel Grimsby for some reason.  It’s not always a good thing when biata have secret meetings about you.

Well, that’s it.  Sad, isn’t it?  My editor has said that if I don’t do something to make this column worthwhile, that he may cut it for budget reasons.  So please help!

And in the meantime remember:  If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 


Letters

 

 

To the Good and Brave People of Icenia,

For too many years, our neighbors and allies from just across the bay have been without a home. In villages scattered throughout the kingdom they have waited. Those who call themselves the Children of Camulous, have been orphaned by the foul Vacarran Corsairs – the very same brigands who ambushed our beloved Queen Sidraste, sending her to her final death.

I call upon you now, the brave and true citizens of Icenia and all lands. The time has come for the Children of Camulous to return to their rightful home; for us to obliterate the necromantic blight that has taken so much from so many.

In four weeks' time, the Evorran Navy will lead the combined forces of Icenia in an assault on the islands that were once home to good and peaceful people. Only through the will and heart of those willing to stand up to these tyrants will it be peaceful once more. I beseech you, take up sword and spell and join us in the port town of Thandor in the estate of Martingale, Evorra.

Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the right and the good against injustice and evil,

Regent Dame Sonia Forthiatis

 

Friends of Icenia,

As you know Jarrin Vorik has meet his permenent death. Taking most of Amaranthus’ words I will try to retell this to the best of my ability. For he said it better then I could. While we were in the Deadlands we assaulted one of seven towers containing energies which had to be destroyed, Jarrin stood his ground bravely as we defended the Paladin who was channeling the powers needed to destroy the vile thing. Many people tried to reach him before it was too late. By the time we got to him he was in need of a life spell. He dissipated in my arms as well as Amaranthus’ arms, as the life spell was literally in the air between him and its caster. He helped set in motion a victory which has liberated the Bastion of Stoneroost, the final great city of the people in the Deadlands, from the domination of the Spectral Liche known as Emilio Barrenger.

Jarrin’s death was not in vain. Thousands of people now have a place to call home, and a chance to rebuild. There will be battles to come, but this battle is over, and Jarrin’s willingness to fight, no matter what horrors our enemy tried to torment us with, showed his commitment to the causes of the good and the just.

I know of only little family that he has left behind. His mother, Sonya Vorik; his father, Darrick Vorik; His sister, Venessia Vorik (whereabouts unknown). His betrothed, Lanna Rose, currently in Gryphonwatch, Icenia and his unborn child. 

The date for his Spirit Farewell has not yet been determined. But will be announced as soon as there is a date. 

Lanna Rose Draken

 


Public Notices

 

“LET THE GAMES BEGIN.  I have a sword.” – Rock

 

TO DAME AVEN and Sir Ignatious Skippio Vex: Congratulations!  I know you'll do our fine Duchy and people proud! - Squire Sparticous

 

ELOCIN:  Where are you cousin?  I have not seen you in many years.  We need to talk face-to-face, I have good news! - Squire Sparticous

 

LOOKING FOR ROOMS TO LET. Family of six, four able to work, need a place to stay until it is safe to return to Vorak’s Peak. Have little coin, but willing to work.  – Arthur Goodrow, cobbler

 

ARE YOU FEELING WORN OUT or overwhelmed?  Bliss will solve your problems.  Ask for Shardis in Fairdale tavern.  Right now, on sale for 5 silver pieces. – The White Services

 

ABLE BODIED workers seeking temporary employment. We will work for the season in exchange for food and shelter, but hope to return to our own crops in Tower Hills before the harvest.

 

“I’M GAME.  I have a spell.” – Apple