The Ashbury Times
May 613
“All The News That Fits, We Print”
Jade Skeleton Establishes Chaos Landbond
Near the first day of the
month of the Dragon, Duke Nevin Kendrick announced a
bounty for the capture or permanent death of Galanthian
prophet Imagos Pyatt,
better known as the Jade Skeleton. While
few in Ashbury knew who this individual was at the time, he was quick to reveal
his presence and intention. Practically
daring a response from both the nobility and adventuring class of Ashbury, the
Jade Skeleton announced his intention to bring an army to Fairdale on the 19th
of the Dragon.
In addition to announcing his
intentions, he revealed much of the strength and composition of his army and
hinted at some of his own powers. By his
own words he declared that he held a landbond and
“I always rise once more.”
Furthermore, he revealed that his army was composed of Romani, disaffected Galanthians,
and undead, led by four lieutenants: the Romani Dona Bezznia, the Galanthian Lyrus Dusan, the biata Yaga Rache, and Jhantil, brother of adventurer Kantil
of the Flaming Balls.
As midnight approached on the
19th, the Jade Skeleton made good on his promise. A large army of undead, humans, and Romani struck the town shortly after the funeral of Sir Amaranthus Landcharmer. Those who had recently been mourning were
quick to vent their anger and sorrow on the attacking army and the battle was
decidedly one-sided. A few officers were
captured during the fight, easily identifiable by the jade sashes they wore. But when those in command attempted to
interrogate these captives, they discovered the loyalty of these soldiers was
near absolute and any attempt to remove the offending sash was met by the power
of a Vengeance ritual.
This attack proved to be but
a first strike, as the Jade Skeleton had a much grander and more subtle plan in
mind. The next day a dapper and charming
fellow appeared in town. From what he
said, it quickly became apparent that he was a Galanthian
prophet and many correctly guessed that he was the Jade Skeleton. Attempts to capture or slay him failed
though, for while he was visible and could communicate, his body was no more
substantial than a rainbow. No spell or
blade could affect him any way.
Those who spoke with him
learned that he believed that Ashbury faced a dire fate or cataclysm of some
sort and he had seen a prophecy that could prevent this fate. He claimed that his forces attacking the town
were a furtherance of that prophecy and he acted as he did in order to save
Ashbury. According to the Jade Skeleton,
four adventurers of Ashbury were destined to slay him permanently and only when
he was killed would Ashbury be saved.
But killing him would not
prove easy. The Jade Skeleton claimed
that he could not identify the four adventurers directly. Instead, the Ashbans would need to slay his
four lieutenants and recover the four prophecies from them. Frustrated by the constant riddles, the
adventurers reluctantly hunted down these lieutenants and their sizable armies.
By Sunday, despite having
killed all four lieutenants, only three pieces of the prophecy had been
uncovered. It was clear that a mystic
wood elf and two dryads were needed to slay the Jade Skeleton, but the fourth
adventurer was a mystery. This is when Larien revealed that it was possible for a member of her
tribe to speak with a powerful being of great knowledge while traveling between
death and life. She presented Sir Garathon with her offer to sacrifice part of his spirit and
he reluctantly accepted. When she resurrected
about 20 minutes later, she was able to identify the elf Ketymos
as the final person needed to slay the Jade Skeleton.
Believing they were armed
with the knowledge they needed to defeat the Jade Skeleton, the adventurers of
Ashbury assaulted his lair. Waves of
foes met them to drive them back, but eventually a path was cleared for Ruis, Alda, Ket,
and Victoria to reach the inner sanctum of the Jade Skeleton. Unfortunately, while the last three could
cross the bridge to his lair, Ruis was blocked by a
strong Proscribe ritual. Realizing they
had misinterpreted the prophecy, the dryad Kailani
was quickly brought to bridge and passed easily.
All four adventurers entered
the lair of the Jade Skeleton and discovered a withered and seemingly comatose
man sitting in a chair. A letter next to
the body indicated that the prophecy could only be completed by slaying the
Jade Skeleton and that the remainder of the prophecy could be found on his
bones. Ket and
Victoria performed the gruesome act of killing and flaying the foul man, though
not without consequences. While the
bones were etched with a prophecy, they also were irrevocably bound to the four
young adventurers.
With the death of the Jade
Skeleton, the battle subsided. But the
Jade Skeleton quickly proved that he had gotten the better of the town. The projection of the Jade Skeleton again
appeared and thanked the adventurers for freeing him of his mortal coil and
completing the chaos landbond for him. With that he departed.
Historically speaking, it
seems appropriate that the Jade Skeleton had a Dominion lieutenant. His release and the prophecy that lead to it
is very reminiscent of the way the Dominion threat was brought to the lands of
Ashbury. If history is repeating itself,
this could spell a bad future for the lands and people during an already dark
time. With any luck the prophecy spelled
out on his bones will in some way assist in defeating this new evil.
Dead is red down in flames,
Judged and slain for dragon
games
Bear of mountain, beast of
stone
In golden chains, in caged
throne
Be wary what you wish for
Be wary what he sings
Be wary what is righteous
When he spreads his wings
He seeks a war
That will never cease
Storms of silence
Bolts of peace
But valiant or cruel
Be blood of blue?
She chooses last
But chooses true
Amaranthus Landcharmer
Knighted Posthumously
On the eve of the 19th
of the Dragon, nobility and commoner alike gathered for the funeral of the much
admired biata, Amaranthus Landcharmer. While Amaranthus
was well known for his heroics in Ashbury, he held no land or title here. Instead he was a squire in the Duchy of Brittington.
Appropriately, his liege, Duchess Sonia, traveled many hundreds of miles
to preside over the funeral of this hero.
As nearly the entire town
mourned this great hero, Duchess Sonia solemnly announced that through his acts
in life, Amaranthus was deserving of a title of
nobility and granted him the rank of Knight posthumously. It was a fitting honor for the man who had
ever been loyal to his duchy.
Ashbury Nobles Swear Oaths of Fealty to
Duke Nevin
Despite Sir Nevin Kendrick having been previously announced as the new
Duke of Ashbury, by the 20th of the Dragon, none of the nobles had
re-sworn their oaths of fealty. With
that uncertainty hanging over the duchy, his grace arrived Saturday morning in
Fairdale to run the monthly noble’s meeting.
For a time, it seemed in
doubt whether the nobility would swear, but as the meeting came to a close, all present barons and knights took knee made oath to
His Grace. This last act confirmed Nevin Kendrick as the rightful Duke of Ashbury and shows
that the duchy will persist even as Icenia collapses. One question still remains as the nobility,
to a number, refused to accede to the demands of the Paladins in regards to the
future training of squires.
Ducal Scout Mistake Leads to Assault on Gnolls
With the whole town looking
for clues as to the whereabouts of the Jade Skeleton’s forces, a ducal
scout brought news that he had tracked down a contingent of that army. A unit of the Vanguard, led by Grim followed
the scout to gather information and possibly strike if the target could be
taken unaware. Unfortunately the scout
had misidentified the tracks. What he
had believed were clustered tracks of bone feet were actually the marks of the
clawed toes of gnolls.
By the time the Vanguard
realized the mistake, the gnolls had become aware of
them and fought ferociously to protect their land and encampment. Fighting ferociously, some might even say in
a feral manner, the gnolls fought heedlessly with
both blade and poison gasses. Luckily
for the Vanguard, Deravin Onyxcleaver,
Dorian, Ronka, and Grim were particularly resistant
to the effects of poison and they were able to defeat the vicious gnolls. While the
destruction of this camp did nothing to hinder the Jade Skeleton, the death of
a nearby encampment of gnolls will help many a Fairdale
local sleep more soundly at night.
Deep Tombs Source of Jade Skeleton’s
Army
While searching for the whereabouts of the army of the Jade Skeleton, Vinny of the Vanguard discovered a deep tomb near Fairdale. Along with other members of his unit, he explored this structure and discovered many underground levels. As the brave Vanguard members descended ever deeper into this tomb, their many battles attracted the attention of progressively more powerful undead hidden away in the tomb. Having explored five floors, the weary adventurers realized that their supplies simply would not hold out for deeper explorations. Unfortunately the need to turn around means that we don’t yet know how deep this or any of the other tombs that the Jade Skeleton is rumored to have area might be, but at least the damage dealt to the denizens of this tomb weakened the Jade Skeleton’s forces during the later battles that weekend.
Jade Skeleton Crypts Found
While searching for the whereabouts of the army of the Jade Skeleton, tombs were discovered which appeared to be a source of the undead.
Red from the court of Blythedale gathered up a small group of other adventurers, including Pevial of Dockside, Ruis of Nordenn and Absinthe, Ketomycos, and Ronka from the Vanguard.
The group quickly made way to the location of the crypt. At first glace it seemed like a normal stone structure but as they got closer to it, the sounds of bones dragging on the ground became apparent.
The ducal soldier instructed them to clear out as much of the undead as possible. The group took a moment to ready themselves and when they were all prepared, they opened the old oak doors into the crypt. The strong foul odor of death and decay filled their nostrils as Ronka pulled the doors open.
He led the adventurers shield-first into the darkness in front of them. Red followed close behind him as Ketomycos knocked an arrow and followed behind her. When the group was fully in the crypt the sounds of rattle bones and dragging blades was heard.
The moonlight shining through the windows barely lit the floor of the structure.
Three lone undead crept from the shadows. Ronka, being a high ogre, charged at the undead and used his earthen axe to slay one of them with a single hit. Red and Ruis made a quick kill of the other undead while Ketomycos and Pevial dispatched the last one.
The team quickly repaired their armor and searched around the crypt to find a circular stairwell leading down to a second level of the crypt. Again, more undead attacked them and again they were able to slay them. The crypt kept going down for several more levels until finally they reached the ninth level of the crypts. Their resources weren’t running very low, however Ronka was getting very tired.
On his suggestion, they decided to leave the crypt and head back up to the surface.
Another tomb was discovered by Vinny of the Vanguard. Along with other members of his unit, he explored this structure and discovered many underground levels. As the brave Vanguard members descended ever deeper into this tomb, their many battles attracted the attention of progressively more powerful undead hidden away in the tomb. Having explored five floors, the weary adventurers realized that their supplies simply would not hold out for deeper explorations.
Unfortunately the need to turn around means that we don’t yet know how deep this or any of the other tombs that the Jade Skeleton is rumored to have area might be, but at least the damage dealt to the denizens of this tomb weakened the Jade Skeleton’s forces during the later battles that weekend. vbvv
The Imperial Cities of
The Ashbury Times has recently acquired information on the newly formed Galanthian Empire. After the Red Madness took Galanthia Major and the surrounding lands the people of Galanthia fled either north or south. Those who went south formed The Free Cities of South Galanthia with aid from Icenia and the Isles of Camulous.
Those who went north were the remaining ruling vampires, the imperial armies, and the necromancer senate that ruled under Empress Arienne. Even now, they continue to build armies, both human and undead, in the Plains of Rage.
Starkenstein
– The city of the Dominion, which was cleared out after the destruction
of their Homestone, was ripe for the picking on the vampire masters of Galanthia. It has become their Imperial Capital and the
seat of their new Senate. It is classified as the most well-defended
city in
Fortress Lochaber
– This fortress was formed from the forward
Boltcliff
– This city sits on the highest cliff overlooking the
News From Around the Duchy
Fellsworth: The local magistrate was
tragically and permanently killed when he was crushed underneath a tree felled
by lightning during a recent storm. Some
local dryads are claiming that this is a mystical sign predicting the fall of
the duchy.
Two Towers: Local merchants have expressed
their concern that the estate will not be prepared to host the upcoming
Festival of Blades in July due to a lack of local funding. A representative of Baron Ivan Drake reports
that additional funding for the festival is forthcoming.
Healer’s Guild Report
Upon the last gathering I sold hot
cookies, cake, and shots to make money for the Healer’s Guild. It seemed to go over very well. So, for each
gathering I am present I will be continuing to do this.
I
will not be traveling to the Ash Forst, so all who
can, please look out for those less efficient than yourself.
To all of my Guild, do not travel alone or in any number less
than three. Something serious is up. I can not go into details until I see you
all next. If you can, please be at the Blythedale estate gathering in August. I
am currently gathering as much info as I can to prepare us.
Upon the last gathering, many of the Guild discovered some unusually creepy unusual items. If
anyone finds such items, see the Healer’s Guild. As far as we know they
are not necromantic, just disturbing. Do not show these around. We do not know
enough about them yet.
If there is anyone wishing to join the Guild,
please see Balls for a pre interview. I have complete trust in my invested
members to handle this without me. I am giving Balls my vote if it is
needed. Just please have a welcome party
for those who make it.
Once again please watch out for new or
weaker people than yourself. I always fear for the lives of everyone when I am
not there. For those who can, please
take at least one or two spells to help others, such as Sanctuary, Purify, or Awaken.
Guildmistress Zatarina
Norik
The Corner of Chivalry
By Baron Ivan Drake
I’ve been asked to
resurrect this column discussing the tenets of the Code of Chivalry and I am
happy to oblige. Please note that the
Code is a concept and interpretation of its ideals can vary greatly. I do not believe there is one absolutely
correct “answer” regarding how the Code of Chivalry is viewed or
what it means. But I do think that the
tenets offer a guide for living righteously.
I am occasionally gently
mocked for asking foes on the battlefield to “repent.” Therefore, I have reprinted a column I wrote
about this very concept below. I welcome
your comments via letter or in person.
The Code of Chivalry does
not specifically comment on the concept of forgiveness, but it does require
that we be “everywhere and always the champion of the right and the good
against injustice and evil.”
Therefore, in my opinion, forgiving someone who is truly repentant is an
act of righteousness.
The question then becomes
this: Is it possible to never forgive certain people? As a human, I am short-lived, so for me,
“never” is quite a long time.
If an elf has spent 10 years of their life making evil choices, does
that differ from a human making a month of mistakes? Bear in mind also that one evil act does not
make someone evil just as one good act does not make someone good. People should be judged by how their
character is presented over time.
But in truth, I’m not
sure that the amount of time nor even the depth of
evil character determines whether or not one deserves forgiveness. Is the perpetrator genuinely remorseful? Have they accepted responsibility for their
actions and repented? Of course, one who
has had a long history of evil would find the path to redemption to be long and
often difficult. I don’t think you
can expect people to immediately forgive someone who has
knowingly done wrong simply because they say they have repented. It will take time for people to accept
them. But at some point, the balance of
one’s life choices can tip in favor of righteousness.
Simon’s Celestial Guide
Welcome to my guide to
Celestial Magic. In each installment I will be examining one of the nine
circles or levels of Celestial Magic.
First a word on what this is
not. This is not an attempt to tell you the proper names of magical spells, nor
the history of them. This is also not a guide to how to use spells per se. This
is plain and simple a tactical assessment of magic to aid younger adventurers
in deciding what to learn and to further discussions of tactical applications
of magic amongst others farther down the road. Eveything
here is reflective of my own opinions alone.
Disarm
Incant Syllables: 10+
Advantages: Can take the teeth out of even the most powerful
warrior for one first level spell. Spell Shield breaker that has a beneficial
effect.
Disadvantages: Longest incant by number of syllables. Cannot disarm creatures with claws or spells. Can be easily
overcome by mundane preparation or teamwork (having an extra sword, switching
blades with battle partners)
Usefulness Assessment Scholars: Low to Medium. The ability to take
a weapon out of the hand of someone charging at you can be useful. Still breaks
spell shields
Usefulness Assessment Templars: Low. The
incant is long and enemy weapons are not as much of a worry to you.
Rating: Scholars: 4 out of 10; Templars: 4
out of 10
Fortress
Incant Syllables: 9
Advantages - Grants a respectably high immunity from weapon
damage only.
Disadvantages - Physical requirements of holding the spell can be
extreme for a duration. You are immobile and hands in the air is not so easy as it sounds for many. Spell
damage or gasses will instantly drop this spell.
Usefulness Assessment Scholar: Low. I would rate this higher
given that the amount of protection would save you from a good majority of the
creatures I see out there; But the physical constraints are just too sever.
Also anything that can break through, well your friends might well have a hard
time getting through it to get you back up.
Usefulness Assessment Templars: Useless.
This is nothing more than a crutch. As a Templar you are suppsed
to train in battle. This means you block for yourself. The spell does not help
you get any better at what you need to learn to do.
Rating: Scholars: 2 out of 10; Templars 0
out of 10
Light
Incant Syllables: 8
Advantages - If you need to read scrolls or anything else in
the dark this is your spell.
Disadvantages - Longer incant time. Using this spell allows you
to see something but it also allows everything to see you. Can
be replicated with easily made alchemical alternatives.
Usefulness Assessment Scholars: Low to medium. Remember that reading scrolls thing? Well if
you are through all your magic then you really have no other alternative than
scrolls, but you need to read them so there you are. Its all about being
able to read ... and occasionally find bodies. The better your night vision is
though the less useful this spell becomes.
Usefulness Assessment Templars: Low. Pretty much the same but
less so since in the dark you can resort to your weapons and conserve your
spells. It is not that the spell
is horrible but scrolls are just not as much your concern. For shield users you
can at least shield mount it and cut down how visible it makes you. Again
though, remember that alchemical substitute.
Rating: Scholars: 3 out of 10 Templars:
1 out of 10
Stone Bolt
Incant Syllables: 6
Advantages - On the number of syllables this should be the
fastest incant on this level. Some can reasonably practice to a point where
Disarm is faster but stone bolt has an effect on even clawed creatures, and
does damage in the case where they do not have a Spell Shield. Think of that
the next time you have to blow a Disarm on an undead because even though you
see his claws, Disarm is the only breaker you have to make sure your big spell
sticks.
Disadvantages - Since it is evocation it is more often baned back at you. Even if you do not have a weapon of your
own you can be harmed by it, unlike Disarm.
Rating: Scholars: 5 out of 10; Templars:
7 out of 10
Letters and
Missives
To the brave citizens of Ashbury:
I express my deepest gratitude to all who
heeded the call for the bounty on the Jade Skeleton. In my time as Duke of
Ashbury, I will have to issue such bounties on necromancers, criminals, and
rampant monsters. I am glad to know that these bounties will be attended to
with alacrity.
As for the Jade Skeleton himself, I have done
some research in the
Imagos was apparently a very
popular prophet in Galanthia well before Ashbury even
came to Tar’Navaria. This is a kind of foe we
are ill-prepared to combat.
Though he appeared to us in a spiritual
projection, he had a charismatic power. I have still yet to speak further with
anyone who spoke with him, but I would like to take the opportunity to do so as
soon as possible. Until then, be wary of speaking with this man under any
circumstance.
I know that you feel played by this man. This
man claimed powers of prophecy. Know this: He spent years planning this
elaborate trap, whether he could see the future or not. That he has a landbond should not deter us from our path.
Matros Lochaber
had a landbond and even he was dispatched. We must
stay strong and stand by our Code to prevail. He is evil and we must battle him
without cessation. We must fight those who follow him.
Those who killed his followers did so justly.
They had given in to the despair of Chaos and had stepped off the path of
decency. Their mutations and their fanaticism were physical and mental proof of
that.
Those that went to the last fight thinking
that they had no other choice. Know that you did. The choice you made was the
choice I would make. To bring the fight to those who would harm our people and
our lands.
To the four that entered the Skeleton’s
chamber: I would like to speak to you further on what you saw. Please do not
believe that you are at fault for his plan. The Jade Skeleton intends for you
to feel guilty and broken. Remain strong and know that the combined forces
under my command seek to destroy this necromancer once and for all. You have
nothing to fear from me or my nobles.
The Jade Skeleton is a new threat, but as I
have seen of Ashbury since its arrival it will prevail.
In other news, it is with a heavy heart in
these times that I must make you aware of the death of Amani
Council member Lady Elena Tir’Intorialian. I ask you all to assist me in the estate of
College, along the border of the Barony of Ash Forest. There is a threat to the safety of the Duchy
(if not more far reaching) that must be dealt with, as well as important
matters of state. While I do not feel it is appropriate to discuss such matters
in so public a forum, all will be explained shortly after arrival.
Sir Nevin Kendrick, Duke of Ashbury
In speaking with Mouse, Alda,
and many others this past gather, there is reason to believe that there are
people behaving differently after they had conversed with the Jade Skeleton at
length. There has been speculation as to whether or not this is connected to Fae in some way—and if it is, I would be able to
offer my assistance.
I have sent missives to some of the nobles
present at the gather, but also wanted to extend this information to as many of
us as possible. Who knows if the Jade Skeleton still has ties to people even if
he has left physical form, and I would much rather ere on the side of caution.
Please let me know if you are with anyone that
could be helped. I have the ability to fix many if not all of people who might
have been affected at the next gather. Until our paths meet again, my
dears…
Larien
Good and brave people,
I write these missives to be posted in every
inn and town center.
If you are reading this and if you can, Corrheim needs your help. I ask if you are able and strong
hearted to seek me out in Blackbourne. My friends the
vampire servitor Galanthians rise
in the northwest. Not only do we need to combat these abominations but the
mortal creatures and immortal who would serve them. Our militia is brave and
the ranks build slowly
This letter here and now is a rallying cry. We
must gather a force not only to combat or enemies but to defend what we have
regained. I have had the honor to meet many citizens of Corrheim
and serve as your Squire. I have grown to love the people of this land. I
respect you and wish to protect you as Corrheim gathers
strength. We are at war though my friends and we cannot recoil before our
enemies. We must everywhere and always be the champions of the good and the
right against this evil and the injustices they create. The people of Corrheim are strong and dutiful. You have steel in your
veins.
I ask if you can enlist with us today and let
us train you and draw steel and spell on our enemies. Protect those we love and
make a difference where others cannot. Adventurer or civilian, we are at war
and only as one people can he drive a stake through the heart of our enemy
If you are a skilled soldier or adventurer you
are welcome as well. I cannot promise riches or glory, but I can promise a
challenge and a grateful people. Myself, Corrheim and the Vanguard are beside you all
I look forward to fighting with you all.
Vigilance and valor
Squire Marcusagrim
Anvilstrike
Public Notices
THE
COURT OF BLYTHEDALE is seeking any Enslavement Antidotes that are available.
Also the Court is looking to purchase any Vision Ritual Scrolls, with
components, that can be cast in Icenia. Please seek out a member of the court
and you will be compensated.
I
AM HOPING TO PROCURE an enchanted blade (which can be wielded with one arm) of
any variety. This may include blades which channel spells, parry spells, have
auras, or are especially powerful against certain types of creatures. If none
are available, I might also have interest in an enchanted bow or crossbow. I
hope that with such a weapon, I might be more in line with the strength of the
rest of our adventuring community. I have gold to buy, some components for
trade (most notably Feyander), a few magical items
which cast spells, and a ritual scroll which can empower a weapon against
certain types of monsters for a year (I understand this is more worthwhile with
a ritual that extends its magic). In addition, I have a supply of the easier
battle magic scrolls, and might be able to procure some magic items which cast
a lesser spell per day. Note that I do not risk traveling with these items, so
a trade would need to be worked out in advance. - Sornelintion
of the
WITH
THE WARS RAGING and the changes to our land as we know it, there is now a need
more then ever for us to ensure those that commit themselves to seeing our home
whole again can endure. Dame Ezri is one such person.
I would ask humbly if any of you have a Permanence, Preserve Duration, or
Ancient Quill, that you let yourself be known and allow us to negotiate a
price. This will ensure that Dame Ezri can regenerate
herself and see her people as well as all of Icenia through this crisis. Many
of you went with me into the future. We saw the powerful force for good she is
and will become. These are the last things she needs in order to help make
these a reality. Please contact myself or the Dame herself if you can help. I
appreciate your time and aid. - Squire Marcusagrim Anvilstrike
LOOKING TO PURCHASE: (1) Alchemy, prefer Paralysis and Feeblemind; (2) an Ancient Quill (a catalyst for a
copy formal); and (3) a Preserver duration scroll, just to copy it. I have coin,
scrolls such as Spell Store, Bane x2, Protection Aura and Spell Parry, and some
permanent items (3/day Reflect Magic, 2/day Dispel, 6/day Release, 5 year
Confine item, and Poison Shield 3/day, good for a few more years). - Ithica
BIATA
ADVENTURERS: Please seek me out at your
earliest convenience. We have something
important to discuss. Zatarina