Baroness Alicia Hollymsong disappeared in early April and has not been heard of since; the evil liche Mourna has claimed responsibility but has yet issued no demands. Rescue parties have turned up no clues, and the Duchess has named her Seneschal Laurelin Goldsong as the new Baroness of the Ash Forest.
The fact that something was wrong was first brought to light when at the Ash Ford Battle Day Faire, Baron Morgan Blackbourne reported that Baroness Alicia had failed to meet an appointment to visit him in Trellheim.
Soon after, a group of undead shambled into the faire and were quickly destroyed by the populace. A note was found on one of the undead. Although the note has not been made public, the Ashbury Times has learned that the note, written in Baroness Alicia's own hand, said something like "I am doing fine with my new friend Mourna. Wish you all were here."
Mourna had attempted to kill the Baroness last fall but was unsuccessful. It is supposed that Mourna has great hatred towards Alicia since Alicia was the one who bravely exposed the necromantic dealings of ex-Duke Alaric and his minions. There is also speculation that Mourna has been working with Alaric (or even, as some suggest, under the control of Alaric).
After deliberation, the Duchess named her Seneschal Laurelin to be the third leader of the Ash Forest. Laurelin, an amani elf, had once been a member of the Ash Forest Court before becoming the Duchess' squire. The Duchess felt that it was imperative that a replacement be named as soon as possible so that the orderly functioning of the Duchy prevail. It may have also been a move designed to frustrate Mourna and diminish the propaganda effect of the capture.
It was also argued that it was also important to establish that Alicia was no longer considered Baroness in case she suddenly showed back up and started to give orders. "After all," said one unnamed Manor House source, "If Alicia reappears, how can we know for sure that she is freed from Mourna's control?"
The appointment angered many in The Wold who argued that they should choose the next Baroness. The Duchess pointed out that according to long-established laws in Ashbury, if a Baron died without naming an heir then the Duchess has the right to name the replacement. Some Wold leaders argued that Alicia had not yet been determined to be dead and even so, the Duchess should understand the implied sovereignty of the Wold and allow the Wold to choose a replacement. This argument apparently did not sit well with the new Duchess who supposedly pointed out to The Wold that the Ash Forest was a barony like any other and that no separate unequal treatment would be provided.
It has been speculated that an attack on the Ash Forest Manor House in Ashbury was supported in part by insurgents and malcontents within The Wold. In that attack, the new Baroness and most of her court were killed, although nothing was stolen. As of this writing, no one has been able to catch or identify the treasonous criminals, and no one has come forward to claim credit for the assassination.
Rescue parties have been sent into all corners of Ashbury searching for clues as to the whereabouts of Mourna and Alicia. The parties have been traveling incognito and in small numbers so as not to attract attention. One group led by Squire Eridan of the Ash Forest recently found that the last location in which the Baroness and her small entourage was seen was at a small inn in the town of Wellspring. This was on the morning of April 6th.
Some adventurers also reported that the Chessmaster and Harlequin made references to having seen Alicia with Mourna recently, but given the source of the information it has not been given much credence.
Early in the morning of Sunday, May 1 594, acting on information provided by an unnamed source, the Ashbury Merchants' Guild was ordered to be opened for a search. Performing the search were members of the Barony of the Ash Forest, members of the court of Trellheim, and members of the Royal Army. Although the search did not find the stolen items, the Guild members were placed under arrest and locked in their warded cabin.
Later that day, a more thorough search was conducted, yielding no evidence or stolen items. Three members of the Ashbury Merchants' Guild and two initiates were then unceremoniously executed by Baroness Laurelin Goldsong and Sir Thyren Vardik.
"When the nobility of Ashbury can condemn and execute a citizen without trial or evidence, the Code of Chivalry becomes meaningless and a joke," stated Necros of the Merchants' Guild, "I suffered two deaths in one day by nobility without being allowed to defend myself. Is this justice or is it pompous nobility abusing their power?"
"The Merchants' Guild did have a trial; they just weren't invited to it," stated Duchess Mara. "If there was the slightest doubt in my mind about their guilt, they wouldn't have been executed quite so quickly. Given the nature of the crime, they are lucky they weren't obliterated for treason. Does anyone honestly think you can steal a baronial or ducal treasury and not get executed?"
"The Baroness was acting entirely in her power to dispense justice since the theft occurred in the Ash Forest Manor House," stated local law expert Quentin Dunbury. "Nobles who are convinced of the evidence provided them from reliable sources are under no obligation to allow a defense. The strange idea that people are 'innocent until proven guilty' or that there is some sort of 'right to a trial' has never been part of our judicial system."
"If those thieves have a problem with my actions," added the Baroness, "they can bring it up with the Paladins."
The items stolen included many valuable pieces of jewelry, spellbooks, magical items and other objects that were meant to be used for prizes in the Commoners' Tournament. The Duchess laments the fact that the items have not yet been returned but promises that she will not allow a group of common thieves to destroy the Tournament. She has already begun assembling new prizes.
The Ashbury Merchants' Guild has since announced that it will be closed to citizens of Ashbury in protest of the "unfair treatment" of merchants.
The Guild demands a public letter of apology from the Ash Forest and Sir Thyren to be printed in the Ashbury Times, and also demands compensation for the destroyed items and furnishings of the Ashbury Merchants' Guild and for the resurrection costs.
Some local merchants have also closed their doors in support of the Guild. Other merchants have decided that this "strike" by the Guild is the perfect business opportunity for them, and competing armorsmiths and weaponsmiths have already begun to announce their hours of operation.
On Saturday morning of the 30th day of May, a group of mercenaries were apprehended in the tavern while posing as Royal Marines of Evendarr carrying a message from the King. The leader of these men later claimed to be Halloran Dragonhart, the son of ex-Duke Alaric.
Halloran's force, the Sons of the Dragon, appeared in the tavern looking for Duchess Mara or Seneschal Laurelin. They encountered tavernkeeper Camilla Zatar, Kelial the biata, and Etcetera the gypsy instead, and were forced to wait while Wilhelm the Futurian (see accompanying article) attempted to gain them an audience. Members of the Royal Army, including Yngvar Hollandr, Roul the Blunt, and Trooper Corbin spoke briefly with Halloran's men and learned that they had an urgent message from King Joseph which had to be delivered to Duchess Mara. They waited with these "marines" while Wilhelm tried to arrange things.
Unfortunately for Halloran's men, Sergeant Tazir, commander of the Nighthammer platoon in Elias Triphammer's absence, had learned of the mercenaries' evil activities in Dockside through the military grapevine. After a brief scuffle near the tourney field, the Sons of the Dragon were quickly attacked and overwhelmed.
A few of the mercenaries escaped, but Halloran and his closest advisors were captured and thrown into a makeshift prison. While Baron Morgan, Baron Bryan, and members of the Royal Army puzzled over what to do, a mysterious creature with long black hair and dressed in a nondescript tabard adorned by an enchanted gauntlet entered town and made a lightning swift attack. This red skinned nemesis casually strolled into the temporary jail, magically Imprisoned Halloran, and ripped him from the wall against which he was chained. It then phased out of the prison and disappeared with him.
The shock of this was too much for Halloran's lieutenants. Using Delayed Endows, they ripped free of their bonds and fled the city. Members of the courts of Nordenn and Trellheim were quick to give chase while Baron Bryan negotiated Halloran's release with the monster that had abducted him. The creature, which appeared ogroid in nature and called itself Sotan, claimed only that "he has to die because of who he is." Baron Bryan attempted to learn if Halloran had somehow wronged Sotan's people, but the assassin flatly denied that hypothesis.
Sotan must have felt assured by Bryan's words, for he released Halloran into his custody under the condition that he be allowed to execute him. Because of this threat, Halloran revealed to Baron Morgan and Baron Bryan that he was, in truth, Alaric Dragonhart's son. Neither could deny his resemblance, nor the importance of such a find, but this information would be useless if Sotan were to slay him.
By this time, the orcs of Nordenn, led by then-Squire Angus and assisted by the future Neumachts, Squire Justice, Caleb Hand and Squire Hanson of Trellheim, had caught up with Halloran's escaped lieutenants. They were dragged back to the city where the noble courts were questioning Halloran. Sotan continued to drift about town, appearing unnervingly behind and in front of people, and finally claiming that he had to take the life of both Halloran and his men. This sentence made some of the mercenaries quite frantic, and only the efforts of Justice and Hanson kept them from fleeing.
Baron Bryan and Baron Morgan continued in their attempts to gain information from the son of Alaric, but found their efforts thwarted both by Halloran's eccentric nature and Sotan's disruptive presence. Halloran finally admitted that they had come to capture the Duchess and take over the city, so the two Barons sentenced the entire group to be executed.
Upon hearing this proclamation, the Earth caster of the group cast a Death spell upon Justice and attempted to flee. Once again, Hanson's swift feet allowed him to catch and fell the villain with a single blow. Halloran's entourage was physically subdued, and Sotan arrived to permanently disfigure and slay them.
They must have resurrected without difficulty, as the next morning they appeared in town with a massive mercenary force bent on nothing more than the destruction of the entire city. Halloran led his men through a hazy drizzle straight across the tourney field and made a thrust for the center of town. With the Royal Army at their vanguard, the townspeople fought back. Although hard pressed at the start of the battle, the tide quickly turned against the disorganized mercenaries, some of whom were powerful spellcasters, and the adventurers of Ashbury City were able to win the day. All of the attackers disappeared for resurrection elsewhere, but it is fairly certain that after two crushing defeats, they won't be returning any time soon.
Quite a bit of confusion ensued when the people of Ashbury were greeted on a recent Friday evening by two members of the now infamous "Shaker Sisters," a band of men who dress as women in order to commit acts of thievery more easily. These two "sisters" appeared in town and attempted to pass off a number of goods to the local adventuring community, including valuable jewelry, silvered weapons and what was later learned to be a few magic items. Many townsfolk refused their gifts, but those that accepted soon regretted their decision when a myriad of bounty hunters appeared in search of either the thieves or their gifts.
Among these searching mercenaries were a number of strange individuals, including a roach-like creature called Zuchuss and a mandrill scavenger named Mandror. Zuchuss seemed at odds with another bounty hunter named Githka Ree, an unusual, masked individual wielding sword and crossbow, but their feud came to an end when Githka attacked Zuchuss outside of town for the silver sword he was carrying.
Sarr, wild elves, and drae also complemented the bounty hunter force, and although the different groups appeared to be searching for the same items, each refused to work together.
Whispers between the different mercenaries gave some the impression that the Shaker Sisters had robbed a merchant caravan belonging to The Fist. Outraged at the loss, that criminal organization then hired the bounty hunters to go to Ashbury and find the stolen items. Some have speculated that it is fortunate that they were only retainers of The Fist and not Fist operatives themselves. True Fist members probably would not have hesitated in taking what was theirs.
By Saturday evening, most of the items had been recovered, and as of this writing, the bounty hunters have withdrawn from town.
On Friday evening, Ashbury City was paid a visit by Major Murphius, a representative of the King from the Royal Throne in Evendarr. The Major appeared, presented himself to Sir Hieronymous, and explained that he would be testing the Royal Army and Town Guard.
The Town Guard was not in attendance, and the Nighthammer platoon would have engaged in immediate maneuvers if they had not been caught off guard by the major's strange form; he was nothing more than an animated suit of full plate mail armor.
Murphius called himself an armor golem. He was created by King Joseph's Court Wizard and intended to be used as a training tool. After meeting with Major Murphius, Sir Hieronymous had the Royal Army fall into formation so that he could place them under the golem's command. Murphius was quick to point out the disarray of the Nighthammer platoon's line-up and their failure to follow military protocol. Sir Hieronymous later commented that this was due to the fact that it was the first official training exercise of a brand new unit, and that they would improve upon any weaknesses by the next inspection.
Murphius explained what the unit's schedule would be like and then disappeared into the woods with a promise to take the Royal Army on training maneuvers at daybreak. Before the sun had fully risen, Murphius appeared and rallied the Nighthammer platoon for a brief training period. There was sparring and some military procedures laid out, after which they scheduled their next maneuver.
Murphius then went on to observe them as they went against a horde of goblinoids that were holed up in a cave near the western border of town. These monsters had been pillaging the local farming community and were making the roads unsafe for merchants. The fighting was fierce, but led by Sergeant Tazir Xora Xai and Corporal Yngvar Hollandr, the Royal Army was able to rout the creatures during the first and second waves. By the third, however, things had turned for the worse, and Murphius ordered a retreat. The numbers of the goblinoids was far higher than anticipated, due in part to their increased presence in the area.
After leaving the Nighthammer platoon and going on patrol, Murphius was destroyed by a group of humans who were battling an unusual elemental in the woods. He was found by Squire Angus who used his smithing capabilities to repair the golem, but it had lost its prime directives and was awaiting new ones. Angus then brought him to Nordenn Manor and with Baron Bryan's assistance, ordered him to follow the Code of Chivalry, destroy undead, and obey nobility. They also renamed him Major Moore.
The golem then wandered about, defending the town and fighting off attacks until a group of wandering trolls destroyed him again. It was at this time that Necros came upon Murphius and brought him back to town. Baron Morgan, suspicious of what Necros was doing, rushed over and repeated what Squire Angus had done, with the exception of naming him Warhammer.
"Warhammer" successfully defended the town until a member of the Evendarr Mages' Guild arrived to collect him on the King's behalf. They were seen departing the city late on Saturday night.
Camilla Zatar and Rowell Ka'taan both died during a battle with a vampire and his human minions, including a strange being who apparently fed off of people's emotions. None of those involved will discuss many details about the incident.
The attack was first brought to attention when Hawkwing stumbled into town to "gather at least three stone elves." He had been controlled by the vampire to get the elves as well as no more than ten people total (apparently for the kidnappers to steal from or for the vampire and his "friend" to feed off). Hawkwing had been told not to bring more of the captives (Camilla and Rowell) would be killed.
Hawkwing brought back the stone elves Visuluan, Vaeyne, and Florin as well as Lithitar, Indigo, Templeton, Kaliel, Fife, and a few others. Baron Bryan and his entourage soon appeared to help but the vampire said "I will kill my captives if any more arrive!" When asked by Hawkwing to leave, Baron Bryan did.
The heroes then tried to negotiate with the vampire but were interrupted by the arrival of the Royal Army, led by Private Morlox. Morlox refused to back down or leave, and a huge battle erupted.
"Camilla and Rowell wouldn't have died if the Royal Army had listened to my pleas," said Hawkwing, obviously upset.
Templeton agreed. "We had it all under control until humans forced their way in and wouldn't let Templeton help any more."
Once the battle began, Nordenn and others then ran in to render aid, but there were great losses nonetheless. Both Templeton and Florin died in the attack but fortunately both were reached with Life spells in time. It is still unclear why the vampire wanted stone elves and how Camilla and Rowell managed to be captured, as no one is speaking of the incident. All Rowell would say was that it was the "lousiest resurrection I ever had," and all Hawkwing would say is "If they ever come back and hurt my friends I will slash their heads off with a very sharp sword."
As if the large amounts of rifts in the area of Ashbury city have not caused enough problems, recently a group of people from Ashbury's future appeared in town--and not of their own free will or knowledge as to how they arrived.
First to be noted were Squire Esh and Lisa Moore. Esh, being a drae, did not look any older but 5 year old Lisa appeared as someone in her teens. Some observers first thought that Lisa had somehow been trapped in a faerie rift but when questioned by her adoptive father Squire Bretton Moore, it became clear that both she and Esh had actually lived through over 20 years.
Later it became obvious that Faustus, Otto and Wilhelm Neumacht were also from the future. Wilhelm had actually been changed into a biata. As a side note, the real and current Faustus Neumacht stumbled into town a few days after all this occurred and stated that he had been attacked and tied up by himself!
Both sides claimed that the other was evil and working with the enemy. Baron Morgan believed Lisa and Esh (and later, a future Aloryn who claimed to be the "Black Fox" in the future and also claimed that Morgan would be Duke of Ashbury). The court of Nordenn seemed to believe the Neumachts, and tested to see if Lisa was real by having Vishuluan hit her with his polearm. She passed this authenticity test.
All told a similar tale of Ashbury's future: The duchy loses a war with the undead Troll King Fangthorn. Many are killed permanently, including the Duchess and Baron Thomas. Most Ashbury residents have moved to the safer areas of Blythedale and Morgan has taken over as Duke, ruling from Greenstone. The Fist and Mourna rule the town of Ashbury and keeps its citizens "safe" from the trolls controlling the countryside. The Ash Forest is run by the fey.
Amazingly, no one thought to ask any of the future visitors about the Talon Prophecies or the identities of the Bat, Hammer and Dove.
Duchess Mara Tirane has announced that as a special treat to top off the Commoners' Tournament, she will be giving her magical short sword to a lucky adventurer in the town of Ashbury.
The sword was given to her by Duke Vordan of Niman as a peace-keeping measure to apologize for the commoners who had been captured and sold into slavery in Niman. Duke Vordan had apparently located and freed the slaves and returned them to Ashbury and as a gesture of goodwill, turned over the slavers' sword to the Duchess.
According to the Duchess, the sword, which has the words "Slave Tamer" written in biata on the blade, was earned by "the brave adventurers of Ashbury who fought against this evil." As such, she believes that the sword should be given to an adventurer and has made preparations to do so.
All adventurers should register with the Seneschal if they are in town on the weekend of the Tournament. The drawing will be held after the Entertainment competition on Saturday night.
The Duchess has announced that all Magistrates within the Duchy should use stricter guidelines when deciding cases concerning Assault and Mockery of a Noble Title.
"These two crimes have been abused in my opinion," stated the Duchess. From this point on, assault will be defined as the "actual objective threat of immediate physical harm coming to your body." Merely threatening someone to hurt them someday or merely placing a non-damage causing spell upon a person would not come under this definition. The Duchess also stated that as far as she was concerned, being gypsy cursed would not be construed as assault since no physical harm was done. Cursing someone to "give away all you own to strangers" however would still be construed as theft (or at least conspiracy to commit theft).
For Mockery of a Noble Title, the Duchess has stated that in order for this to be enforced, there must be obvious mockery. Merely saying "I think you're doing a bad job" or "You are unfit for office" would not come under this definition.
Goblins, orcs, and trolls were out in force over the final weekend of April. Instances of goblinoid attacks had been up in the days preceding the weekend, and things seemed to come to a head when they arrived at the city gates in search of the pages of a mysterious "book."
This book was little more than a collection of stone tablets with a unique goblin code carved upon it. Although unintelligible to most, many adventuring groups attempted a translation of the tablets.
Only the Barony of Trellheim, with some assistance from the being known as Sotan, were able to fully comprehend the puzzling tome, which appeared to be a description of attributes or virtues espoused by the goblin race. Ashbury was being harried by more than goblins, however. Most groups were a mix between hobgoblins, war orcs, ogres, and trolls, frightening combinations which kept many townspeople on their toes through much of the weekend. Some who found the tablets and then ran afoul of the groups searching for them speculated that they were attempting to determine which tribe was strongest and would gain dominance in the area.
What is still unclear, however, is what is causing these diverse tribes to work together. Clues are still being sought out from different sources.
On the afternoon of the first of May, an undead-looking Dragon Mage entered the town of Ashbury, surrounded by a number of evil looking fighters. He identified himself as "Morganna" and then cast a Create Permanent Circle ritual just like it was battle magic.
He then turned the creatures within the circle into wraiths and other undead. All within the circle then went gaseous. Sometime during the night, they apparently lowered the circle and escaped but no one is certain as to whether any still remain in the circle.
The only thing left visible in the circle is an ornate cup and a large bottle. Neither can be moved without access to the circle. As of yet, no other movement within the circle has been observed and no clues have been given as to who the caster was or why he placed the circle there. The circle exactly overlays the original circle cast for the Proscribe Creatures ritual done last fall.
Shalizar and Isabella are currently in conference to decide the town's options.
Barrowdowns: A large army of undead led by an unnamed vampire recently attacked a small village in this remote estate. The lack of adventurers in the area meant that over 30 people suffered a death in the night-long battle. The intent and reason of the attack are unknown. Dockside: This crime-filled district of the capital city was attacked recently by lizardmen, but deaths were few. The commoners soon afterwards held a major protest over rampant crime and corruption in the Town Guard which led to a bloody fight in the town square.
Grimsby: A small group of malcontents held a rally in opposition to what they felt were high taxes. Local authorities denied that taxes were any harsher than anywhere else in the duchy. Some reports held that the real objection was to cruel and unjust tax collectors.
Haunted Marsh: This small village located on the edge of the marsh itself was attacked recently by mindless beings apparently composed of trash and swampy materials. The locals were eventually able to beat them back.
Kiri-Ashton: The sheriff of this small village was arrested for growing and selling Asitikir mushrooms laced with Euphoria so that his customers would become addicted and buy more.
Oliver: A group of adventurers was seen wielding what some have described as a "spell engine." This massive mechanical cogged wheel which both blasted and absorbed spells as it rolled across a battlefield. No further information was forthcoming.
Port Frederick: An annual Spring festival turned nasty when Lotitia Moonglow (the eldest daughter of a prominent businessperson in town) declared herself "Queen of the Parade" after waylaying the rightful festival Queen. A small drunken riot was the eventual result as supporters of both sides pummeled each other for control. "Most fun I've had in years," claimed one sailor.
The Wold: A protest by some commoners over the appointment of the new Baroness led to small riot in this normally quiet community. Although some property damage was done no serious injuries were reported. Some reports have indicated that the rioters were funded by high officials in The Wold but at this stage of the investigation, no confirmations could be obtained.
by Cleo Smith
Hello, it's wonderful me again! This month the Ashbury Times is sponsoring a contest! The person with the most correct answers wins the elixir of your choice (Euphoria and Enslavement excluded). All entries must have your name on them. Only one entry per person. In the case of any disputes, I decide the final outcome. (It is my contest.) All entries must be received by May 28th, 594.
Section 1: True, False, or Sometimes/Maybe
1. Nobility do not have to reveal the evidence used to convict commoners
of a crime.
2. Nobles cannot dispense justice on crimes committeed within their own
lands.
3. Duchess Mara has the right to make Gypsy Curses legal.
4. Shalizar is also an astrologer.
5. I will be bringing my magic hammer into town soon.
6. Maaz's drae friend is really a noble.
7. Laryeja is not a necromancer.
8. There are Korombos Brothers still alive in Ashbury.
Section 2: Who Does Not Belong and Why?
1. Ash Forest, Blythedale, Nordenn, Trellheim
2. Elias, Justice, Baron Thomas, Vaasa
3. Any Neumacht, Any orc, any Merchants' Guild member, Corbin
4. Baron Morgan, Paladin Angus, Baron Thomas, Unrok
5. Squire Spud, Squire Hanson, Squire Andrace, Squire Justice
Section 3: Analogies (Fill in the Blank)
1. Sir Angus is to Baron Nordenn as ________is to Baron Morgan.
2. Mortimer is to Thief as _________is to Diplomat.
3. Mourna is to Peppercorn as the Ash Forest is to_________.
4. Necros is to the Code of Chivalry as Baron Morgan is to ________.
Section 4: Who said this?
1. "Actually, I didn't ask her to do anything."
2. "Why would I need a barkeep?"
3. "The Baron of Trellheim, he's the speediest guy around."
4. "I think all the Barons should take an etiquette class."
5. "Never adopt a woman."
6. "For a moment, I must admit, I seriously considered using necromancy."
7. "It would be a shame if anything were to happen; a lot of people want
that hammer."
Section 5: Who said this and to whom?
"I can trust you. . .I have been instructed by the Magistrate. . .she's
never
around. . .I haven't learned very much. . .how shall I stall?"
I WILL PLACE 15 GOLD into the hands of whomever returns my diary, no questions asked, no reprisals. I only want it returned. - Baroness Laurelin Goldsong.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD will be holding its semi-annual member meeting at Midnight Guildshall on Sunday, May 29th at 1 hour before noon. All Ashbury Mages' Guild members are expected to attend. Time for the various topics will be used efficiently and sparingly as Guild policy issues will be discussed and decided upon. Seating is limited, so guild members should arrive early. The doors will close when the meeting begins. Latecomers will not be admitted.
ASHBURY EDUCATIONAL REFERRALS: Seeking teachers to be a part of our referral list to get more business, and students looking to find the skill you need faster for a good price. Referrals at lowest prices! Low one-time listing fee for teachers! Contact Prof. Turlough Kuranes at the Dragon's Flagon.
WE BE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE a new Commoners' Guild. The services be extremely honest. Messengers (they no can read and some they sing); Armorsmiths (they be very good); Weapons (we rent for hours at a time); Alchemy (much lab); Bill Collectors (very good); Teachers (they be very patient); Massage (by invitation only); Research (Quentin he the best); Anonymous Gossip (we no tell); Also brews for sale (such as Neumacht Ale and the best dwarven ale). Now at the Dragon's Flagon!
THE ASHBURY HEALERS' GUILD will be offering a lecture on Formal Earth Magic. Anyone living is welcome. Non-guild members will be charged a small fee. Time and day will be posted in the tavern.
MARGOLI LUPESCU of the Gold'n Sword Mercenary Company is offering the following services: Fortune telling - one copper; Alchemical elixirs identified - one copper; Also teaching classes in the skills Reading and Writing, Herbal Lore, Alchemy, Locksmithing, Trap Disarming and use of One Handed Blunt Weapons. Class size will be limited to four students. Cost is two silvers per skill per student.
TEMPLETON and Kiegan are looking for teammates for the Commoners' Tournament. Leave a message in the Dragon's Flagon.
TO THE CITIZENS OF ASHBURY: How do you feel when your homes were invaded by an army? How do you feel when your friends are cut down? This is how we, the trolls of Trellheim, feel in our lands! Stop this war! Leave our lands!
TO THE BARONY OF THE ASH FOREST and Sir Thyren: I'd like to thank you for your expedient justice in the matters of the Merchants' Guild. Your trial reaffirms my belief in the system of justice in this city.
LORD MAGISTRATE ALORYN: I will return to Ashbury soon. If your offer of an honor combat still stands, I will meet you on the field at 1 p.m. on the 28th of May. Your Niman friend, Jacob von Mierer.
ROYAL ARMY: I want my dagger - Templeton.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HEALERS' GUILD! Pay for your protective spells and for the identification of potions. Contribute to the Poor Creatures' Fund for the Resurrection of the Destitute. Donate unwanted clothing, armor and weapons for those poor creatures who resurrect naked. Contribute to the Orphan's Support Fund. Pay for your resurrections, if not in money then with potions, scrolls, ritual components, magic items, armor and weapons. If all Ashbury citizens would donate one per cent of their income, including treasure to the Healers' Guild, the Guild would be able to afford to help more of the destitute and orphans, and would be able to invest more healers so that no one would have to suffer the pains of a Field Resurrection.
TEMPLETON is not happy.
DEAR ASH FOREST AND SIR THYREN: Thank you so much for bringing me up on these false charges when they were completely absurd. Next time, please look at the other side. - Kiegan.
I WOULD ESPECIALLY LIKE TO THANK all the healers that aided Trellheim at the Faire. Also thanks to everyone who fought against the hill trolls. Please come and speak to me at your earliest convenience so that I may record your names and personally thank you. - Squire Justice of Trellheim.
DIARY PAGES? To anyone who found pages of a diary on goblins: I am collecting them to attempt to discover exactly what they are about. The pages I seek are written in a very neat print and are approximately 9 inches by 5 inches in size. If you bring them to me I can give you potions or money, and will keep you updated if you like. Please get in contact with me as soon as you can. Thank you - Squire Sonya Dawntreader.
TO THE TRAITOROUS SCUM who called me a construct. . .um. . .er. . .um. . .(well, I am wearing red and black you know). . .ahem, to all those who think I am a construct, I would just like to point out that I am not a doormat. I am a person. Thank you, H.
JUSTICE: You passed Shalizar's test but failed ours. - The College.
TO THE TRAITOROUS CITIZENS of Ashbury and the thieving scum who have robbed me of Doomgrinder: You have not seen the last of me. One day very soon Alaric will again rule the duchy, and I will be at his side. - Lord Halloran Dragonhart
TO THE FIST (or shall I call you the knuckle?): I awaited your attack on the Mages' Guild only to find that you are spineless. I am new to this town, and I have been told that you cause havoc here. Be warned, for when we meet, I will dance with your dead, and I will swim in the pool of your blood. Trouble Ashbury and its citizens no more. Defy me, and you shall find yourself in a shallow grave. Heed my words. - Unrok
CITIZENS OF ASHBURY: The Shield of Vendamor would like to announce that Coran Stoneheim, dwarf, is the new Armorsmith for the town. Please see Coran or members of the Shield for more details on low discounted armor, the cheapest in town. All are welcome for business.
MAXIMUS THE HEALER will teach anyone the skill of First Aid for free.
GOLD 'N SWORD has recovered the dancing bear. He can be picked up when we are paid for the food he has been eating.
TO ALARIC'S CITIZENS in Ashbury: The former Baroness is doing quite well and enjoying her new luxurious accommodations. Love, Queen Mourna. ASHBURY: You did the right thing. - S.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD now Identifies both celestial and earth ritual components. We will identify your ritual component, explain what rituals the component can be used in, and what other components are needed for each ritual. The Ashbury Mages' Guild is open every day from noon to 4 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to midnight.
ADVENTURERS WANTED: The Gauntlet Adventuring Group solicits hard core adventurers to join us. All applicants must not have been convicted of any crimes, and must also have a strong desire for making money. Inquiries may be placed with Jagger Galian or Mason Sharebrook. Remember: a poor adventurer is a dead one.
SORRY for all the trouble, everyone! - Aaron Shaker
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new Apprentices: All'x Doomhaven, Shield of Vandemor; Nicademus Gotham, Barony of Nordenn; Gildarius Redaxe; and the following promotions to Guildsman: Corbin, Laurelin Goldsong, Barony of the Ash Forest, Faustus Neumacht, Neumacht Clan, Eldon Runeweaver