Troll King Fangthorn Defeated!

As all are aware, Ashbury has once again defeated Fangthorn. In the spirit of the celebration, the Ashbury Times presents a version of the events of the final battle weekend as told through the eyes of one known only as the Storyweaver:

The rumbling of speaking elementals echoed throughout the amphitheater as the procurator Danathis walked silently down the aisle towards the podium. To his right sat the Purgeron, the military arm of the Vitale Senate, while to his left, the Plebeians looked at him with contempt of one who would soon be among them. Danathis ended his walk of seeming disgrace and faced the three thrones bearing the Overlords of Life.

With the sound of a river pouring down a mountain side, the three spoke together. "What has occurred among the children of Ashbury, Procurator?"

In a quiet introspective voice that seem to mock their booming tones, the life elemental answered: "The Demiurge Fangthorn, Champion of Jhivantane, has fallen at the hands of the Heroes of Prophecy."

Quiet moments struck Danathis as odd until the voices boomed, "What of the compact!?"

"Preserved," the procurator answered.

"You have violated an interdiction based on their inability to honor and protect the Senate. Speak of the happenings that occurred and prepare to be judged."

Danathis let his story unfold.

On the night of terrible rains, the usurper Avar Lychus entered the Graveyards by as of yet unknown means with an army of golems. Utilizing these creatures, he apparently imprisoned the Registrar and disbanded all guardians of the Graveyards. Due to the wounds suffered at the hands of the City of Ashbury last Halloween, the Four Winds were unable to escape, yet the other Lords of the Seven Graveyards deserted their posts and entered the world through the riftcaps.

The swan maidens, the scribes, and the Reaper all worked to restore the compact, testing citizens and collecting book marks that had fallen from the Book of the Dead.

The Talon Prophecies stated further that help in these dire times could be obtained from three Heroes. These heroes were referred to as the Bat, the Hammer, and the Dove.

In search of the Dove, the five swan maidens tested citizens of Ashbury for loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice--by trying to somehow stop the Endless Hunt from destroying the White Hart. The Endless Hunt, as I am sure all are aware, is a never-completed dance between Hunter and Prey, as eternal and everlasting as night and day.

The Endless Hunt caught the Hart once, and this guardian will have to be repaired before returning to its post or the Elderwood will remain vulnerable. The Dove, called Kittery Ann Holindarn among her people, attempted to stop this from reoccurring by sacrificing herself to the huntsman. While this did not stop this minion of the Infernum, she did buy enough time for the Bat, called Manx Deserett by her people, to establish a friendship and hide the stag.

Many individuals attempted to run with the Huntsman for the stag in an apparent attempt to prevent the Prophecy from proceeding. This is cause for concern. Others tried to help save the hart in their own fashion. One biata by the name of Priss attempted to save the stag by obtaining its heart--fleeing the hunt in an effort to find a Life spell. She might make an excellent plebeian. . .

A goodly amount of whispering and grumbling echoed among the Purgeron until the Triumvirate boomed, "Proceed."

Taking a deep breath, Danathis finished the first part of his tale.

The Registrar unleashed the Scribes upon the town who reiterated the Prophecy, and the townspeople began in earnest to seek the Revenant who was known as the Red Knight. This was required in order to obtain the Hammer of Destiny. Still doing its duty, the Revenant killed several people mistaking them for escapees or those who possessed pages stolen by the usurper. Such victims included members of the Ducal Household, including a squire calling himself Otto Neumacht and a knight of the King calling himself Konrad Valinor.

As predicted, those who killed the Revenant received more tokens of the Spirit.. Among those were a wizard named Morlox Nightshade. The Revenant however had to be killed more than once for the Prophecy to be fulfilled.

The Hammer, who is known by his people as Elias Triphammer, sought his destiny by challenging the Red Knight to a spell battle. He was easily defeated but was healed. The Red Knight scolded him for his foolishness and reminded him that the Hammer of Destiny was a weapon of force and power.

Elias then challenged the being to an armed combat and won. The Red Knight then revealed the location of the Spirit Forge where the Colossus waited for the Heroes.

After giving their tokens to the colossus, Elias, along with Kittery and Manx, were forged anew on the Spirit Forge to become the three Heroes of the Prophecy. Elias became the Hammer, a golem with invulnerability to menial attacks and with enough power to possibly crush Fangthorn. Kittery became the Dove, one who had a myriad assortment of Life spells to protect the town. Manx became the Bat, whose magical cloak could absorb necromantic spells, thus protecting the others from harm.

Exhausted at their ordeal, the three proceeded to Ashbury proper to build the morale of the citizens, as the other token holders then sought out the Gatherer to give it the tokens needed to pass into the Graveyards to fight the Iron Wizard Avar Lychus.

Upon entering the Graveyards, the brave adventurers were attacked by the Custodian and ensnared into its grip. As it slowly began to crush them, a wizard from Ravenholt named Hendrick released a Dispel Magic and, having previously discovered that the Custodian's protective sphere around the Graveyards returned magic at its sender, wisely used a Reflect Magic upon himself to destroy the bubble.

With the Custodian dispelled, the companions proceeded to the place of Registry where they were assaulted by golems made of wood, iron, stone, bone, and obsidian. With little effort, the adventurers, which included members of the Shield of Vendamor, the Ducal Court and the baronies of Nordenn, Ash Forest, and Trellhiem dispatched the initial enemies and proceeded into the Usurpers' new lair.

Our accounting of the battle that took place within Avar's fortress is fragmented, but we believe that defeating the Registrar made him unable to exit the Graveyards--thus his motivation when dealing with the companions of Ashbury was to somehow trick them into taking the Book of the Dead so that he might escape. Avar, having rescued his beloved wife from the Book, confronted the companions and lied to them, telling them that the Registrar was an office rather than a creation. He claimed that he was the Registrar now, and that he would gladly trade it if he would be left alone to leave.

Avar's offer was that three volunteers would come forward to kill themselves in order to pass the Book to its new guardian. Sethric Nordenn volunteered to take the Book and become the new Registrar.

After the companions reluctantly agreed, Avar silently Imprisoned Sethric with the book in his hands, killed the three brave individuals, and then with a smile on his face demanded three more volunteers. The sides immediately clashed in volleys of fire, ice, lighting, and death.

Many fell to Avar's wife Cassandra Bavdera's precise casting and her immense dark powers as a Banshee of the Shattered Spirits. During the battle, the Iron Wizard was cursed by a gypsy calling herself Ta'wané of the Servenkas, and as the last words left her lips Avar became the opposite of himself, and his love for Cassandra died in an instant. This freed him from worrying about protecting his wife and he instead concentrated his attacks upon the adventurers.

However, the companions rallied and killed Avar, and with his death the Registrar reformed.

The compact ripped the final page from the Book and released those who died during the battle from their entries into the book--including Avar Lychus.

Pausing, Danathis noted the understanding but stern demeanors of the procurators. He straightened his robe and collected his thoughts before proceeding.

After tearing the page that saved the companions, Avar Lychus escaped from the Graveyards through a rift meant to send the companions back through the rift. Our knowledge of his whereabouts are unknown at this time. I imagine his knowledge of the riftcaps will gain him access to an area beyond even the Magistarium's reach.

With the rising of the sun, Ashbury had successfully preserved the great compact, preserving the truce among the Overlords--but the situation with the Troll King grew much worse. Fangthorn, as my lords know, had reopened his long dormant laboratories and began his breeding of the mutant creatures he called thrulls.

Using his own people in his desperate attempt to breed stronger and more powerful servants, he created these abominations which possessed miraculous abilities--and devastating weaknesses. Some of these noted abilities included sticky hands that prevented disarming of weapons, immunity to fire, huge claws and bony protuberances to be used as weapons, and thicker hide that resisted the most able blows. However, by using necromancy to accomplish this, it was nearly impossible to weed out such weaknesses that are associated with undead, such as being affected by Call Undead and taking double damage from earth spells. In many cases the mutants died from Sleep spells, and if Webbed, were far too stupid to rip out.

During the morning of Saturday, many lots of these thrulls were sent to attack Ashbury in a vain attempt to soften up the citizenry. Lord Krell, a vassal of the Sorcerous Six of Jhivantane, attempted to hoodwink the Bat, Hammer, and Dove into journeying `to the front' to give added support to the Ducal armies as they fought Fangthorn's host from reaching the city.

Rightly sensing it to be a trap, Duchess Mara Tirane forbade the three Heroes from undertaking the journey. She instead allowed a recon force to investigate the progress at the front.

The recon group, led by Baron Bretton Nordenn and Regent Deven Du'Leges of the Shield of Vendamor, unwittimgly sprung the trap, and Fangthorn's elite guard chose to flank the strongest fighters of Ashbury and attack an apparently vulnerable Ashbury. In a running fight, the trap actually backfired on the trolls when they ran into the Bat, the Hammer, and the Dove and the fastest runners of Nordenn, along with Squires Algar and Kelson of the Ash Forest and many other brave citizens.

The fight was grand. Lord Krell and his followers linked with the trolls and did tremendous damage to Ashbury--but the ministrations of the Dove and the strength of the Hammer were complemented by the Bat's protective abilities, thus turning the tide of the battle. Among the heroic efforts was one by a young elf named Heron who single handedly chased down a fleeing bone troll, retrieving the Drakeblade of Ganderfax for Sir Kirath of Nordenn, who had been struck down once again by a Death spell in exchange for his stalwart bravery.

As night fell, pairs of Amani Rangers stealthily slipped through the war lines and enemy camps to inform Baroness Laurelin of the situation outside of Ashbury. With the information given to her from these guardians of the forest, two strike forces were organized to assault command posts in an effort to learn more of the attack to come on Sunday. With a precision and teamwork unknown yet in Ashbury between the Baronies of the Ash Forest and Nordenn, and with the help of other adventurers, they crushed the command posts and recovered pieces of a map that led to the laboratory of the Master of Trolls, Fangthorn.

Danathis paused and pondered. So much happened in such a short period of time. What to describe next? He mentally sighed and continued on.

During the course of the weekend, an old man referring to himself as `weaver' sought out individuals who were willing to learn the art of storytelling. Choosing individuals such as the Mystic Wood elf Brightfeather and other young adventurers, the weaver gave them stories to act out in order to learn a special tale that would save Ashbury.

Sethric Nordenn and Brightfeather wove beautiful stories for the weaver and became embroiled in a fictional story involving a hideous emperor who lusted for the wealth of a small and gentle kingdom. The king possessed the most incredible treasure known to man, but was poor and destitute. The powerful emperor's greed knew no bounds. Trapped inside weaver's storybook, Sethric, Brightfeather and their allies formed a truce between these two factions and were in turn given something that would help in fight against Fangthorn: a small indiscriminate horn.

The horn had a command word. The word was the treasure that all that Ashbury hoped for--yet it was still beyond their grasp.

The word was "Peace."

The crowd mumbled and nodded, and Danathis continued on.

The Bat, the Hammer, and the Dove led the forces of Ashbury on a lightning assault against Fangthorn's laboratory just after dawn on Sunday--dispatching a horde of thrulls and descending into a room filled with vats of putrid liquids. Jumping on platforms suspended above the vats, the three Heroes worked with courageous citizens such as Rafferty McEwan, Baron Justice McCoy of Trellhiem, Hendrik the Iron Golem, Baroness Laurelin, Squire Otto, and Morlox to navigate the treacherous platforms and strike down the villainous Lord Krell and the other creatures guarding the vats.

By Elias' own mighty hand, the vats were destroyed per the orders of the Paladin Sir Konrad, so the vile thrulls will forever be expunged from the battlefields of Ashbury.

The Triumvirate flared with a burst of white light that Danathis took as pleasure, and then they dimmed.

"Yet you violated the strictures of the Interdiction. You have violated the dictates of the Senate," echoed the voice. "You interfered."

The usually quiet elemental drew himself up and prepared to defend himself. "I have been given tremendous responsibility and have been told very strictly that I am to do my best to preserve life so that the compact can be preserved. The strictures levied upon me interfered with my duty. As the war begun, the Dove had utilized nearly all of her spells to help the people, and when I appeared, the final battle against Fangthorn was turning into a massacre."

His normally calm voice became impassioned. "We must stand on the side of those who are good and righteous! Such being must be preserved or the War begins again. I stand before you to tell you that the Senate turned the tide of the battle! With the power of the Triumvirate's Staff, the people rallied."

He pulled at his sleeves and looked around at his audience--his judges. Clearing his throat, he continued his story as if he had never left.

After leaving Fangthorn's laboratory, the Heroes returned to Ashbury city to discover it under serious attack by Fangthorn's army. Wave after wave were brought down by Ashbury but more trolls and undead continued to pour in. The citizens' resources were quickly diminishing.

Fangthorn then arrived but the Horn of Disjunction was blown, thus nullifying all ritual magics in the area. This prevented the Dragon Mage Troll King from using his most powerful weapon--yet still he was a formidable enemy. The onslaught continued, and Ashbury appeared doomed. The Duchess herself fell and died before help could reach her.

Fangthorn's confidence grew to the point where he toyed with the children of Ashbury with a mocking form of honor combat. Brave individuals like Baron Bretton and Sheriff Radric were allowed to strike his immense form many times before he beat them into the ground itself.

The individuals to which I gave our gift then rallied around the Hammer and plunged into Fangthorn's guard like a battering ram--this force enabled the Hammer to attack Fangthorn, and after an eternal battle, bring him down.

The Senate stands victorious because the Heroes performed their ceremony once the horn was blown a second time.

As required by the Prophecy, the Bat covered Fangthorn with her cloak, the Dove sang the proscribed funeral dirge, and the Hammer shattered the Troll King's bones into dust. Thus completing their task, the three returned to their normal state, although their lives will never again be the same.

Danathis stood tall and proud.

"Yes, I told them the command word so that the Demiurge could not turn them into undead and Obliterate some poor hapless fool. Yes, I Lifed their broken forms, but that is my duty. Ashbury deserved their due, and they deserve our support, for they showed a courage, a unity, and tenacity that could put nearly every one of them within our ranks.

"My last words are this: I will bring as a noviate one of their most honorable to serve the Senate to prove their worth and my gamble, and with the noviate's induction, we will end one prophecy and fulfill another. Ashbury's victory is by our will, and they were the ones that deserved our aid."

Preparing to face divestiture, Danathis nearly blinked at the brilliance before him. Silence reigned as Danathis considered the fallen: Goraq of the Shield, Marius the drae, Vaeyne of the stone elves, Kurn the wolf scavenger, Jaret of the Ash Forest, Smith the elderly dwarf, Kirath of Nordenn, Endar the half orc, and so many more brave heroes and unlucky peasants.

Danathis was awakened from his thoughts by a voice that thundered across the room. "You Lifed the troll called Fangthorn!" boomed the Triumvirate. "Why?"

In a cracking voice, Danathis answered, "The mortals must know the value of our gift. Their greatest enemy could have been changed with one act of mercy and kindness. Our enemy is not Fangthorn. Our enemy is Death!

Fangthorn's death does not mean peace with the trolls&emdash;it means a war for eternity, a harvest for the Chaosium, and race of potential allies for the Senate lost."

Pausing only briefly, as if to say the life elemental's passioned words held little sway with them, the Triumvirate spoke as one. "Tribune, take your station. Let us question the noviate."

Turning, Danathis wondered what Hyperius would say after his vacation in Morgan's shield. Ashbury won their greatest triumph without his guidance at all. . .


Ashbury Militia Turns the Tide on the Trolls

With the defeat of Fangthorn in the capital city of Ashbury, the spine of the troll king's army has been broken, and the military forces of Ashbury have finally begun to win back much of the land lost in the battles of the last few months.

With Fangthorn's fall, the armies have Trellheim have been able to strike back, taking control of key positions lost to the trolls during the start of their campaign. Most notable among these were the retaking much of the Tower Hills and the estate of Oliver. Led by Sir Aloryn Runeweaver, a contingent of baronial and royal army units were able to drive the suddenly disorganized trolls north into the wilds of the Tower Hills while another battalion of footsoldiers combined steel and sorcery in an attempt to relieve the beleaguered populace of Oliver.

The people of Oliver had taken the brunt of Fangthorn's specially prepared siege engines and had lost more than half the town and nearly all the estate before they were finally able to hold against the trolls. Time was on the monsters' side, however, so they merely laid siege to the surrounded town and awaited the inevitable.

They were understandably surprised when Baron Thomas Grey's battalion slammed into them with a renewed fury that forced the trolls to completely abandon their siege instruments and retreat into the Mishrak Fens.

The strongest concentration of the monsters in Trellheim at this time is in Deathwatch, where the trolls have set up their own encampment just outside of the town. They apparently plan on staying for a while. Raids upon the town are commonplace, and what's left of the estate's defenses are negligible.

There is also a strong contingent of trolls in Nantes, which had been a staging ground for many of their attacks upon both Trellheim City and Ashbury City. Late breaking reports indicate that while progress is slow, ground is being gained against the trolls inhabiting this region. Many citizens have fled the estate, and those remaining have rebelled against Baron Justice. Part of the difficulty in winning back the lost estate is the military cunning of one of Fangthorn's lieutenants, a grey troll called Bonescythe. This remarkable warrior has somehow been able to outthink the combined military genius of baronial and royal generals.

In Nordenn, another notorious figure, the trollord Slayburn was defeated when his two fronted force assaulting Wildwood and Homrik's Pass was split down the middle by a force of elite fighters which, under orders from then-Baron Bryan himself, had been training for the past year in Shadowkeep. Intended as a fast response and attack team, they proved themselves in battle by carefully cutting the two monstrous forces off from one another, thus allowing baronial armies to move in and squash each in turn.

Unable or unwilling to enter the Ash Forest themselves, the undead forces sent against the elves were ground into dust under the well prepared defenses of that woodland barony. Rangers stationed there have commented that Baroness Laurelin's advance preparation may have made all the difference in keeping Fangthorn's forces out of the inner reaches of the forest. An attack on the well-fortified estates of Sir Konrad in the Forest proved to be a major defeat for Fangthorn as well.

Although the trolls are now retreating, and the end of this war seems to be drawing near, the people of Ashbury are now forced to deal with the aftermath of the attack. Loss of life has been extremely high, and damages, especially in the Barony of Trellheim, have been staggering. Many bridges and fortifications have been burned and need rebuilding.

Baron Justice McCoy, newly coronated Lord of Trellheim, has dedicated himself to the recovery of his fiefdom, and has already sped aid to the areas most heavily hit by the war. The dwarves of Trollsgate and Dwarvenholm have already met to discuss a plan for barony-wide supply of the labor and materials which will be in high demand to repair damaged bridges and homes. The Duchess has also pledged her support.

Many in Trellheim are now homeless, and a number of "tent towns" have appeared across its countryside. A nearly overwhelming surge of refugees have appeared here in the capital itself, many crowding into the poorer sections of Dockside and Floris.

It is clearly a time when all in the duchy must band together to assist in recovering from this tragic struggle.


Duchess Orders Arrest of Ashbury Times Editor

The following note was posted by the Duchess:

A Five Gold Crown reward is offered for information leading to the location and arrest of the Editor of the Ashbury Times, Eric Woolcott. A Ten Gold Crown reward is offered for his apprehension and surrender to the Lord Magistrate for justice.

I charge this man with willfully and maliciously misquoting, distorting, and fabricating Ducal decrees and other information of importance to the safety and well-being of the Duchy of Ashbury. Irresponsible journalism is not a crime, but libel is. I have not yet decided whether to charge this man with Treason.

For the record, I did not make the statements attributed to me regarding Gypsy Curses and Camilla Zatar. Such an execution would be unlawful, and I would expect to be immediately removed from my position of trust and authority within this Duchy should I ever take such an action. I can only surmise that the reason the Paladins have not already spoken to me regarding that libelous article is that they correctly assumed that I would never say such a thing.

What I actually said to both Camilla Zatar and Ta'wané during the heat of an extended battle in which it appeared we were on the verge of losing the city, is that I considered it to be treasonous to attempt to distract one of our most powerful fighters in the middle of such a battle, and that if Sir Aloryn were Gypsy Cursed again during that battle I would hold the gypsies collectively responsible and execute one of them. Any problems the gypsies had with Sir Aloryn could be dealt with after the battle. I spoke to Camilla and Ta'wané as the two persons who had sufficient stature within the gypsies to make sure this order was obeyed.

Also for the record, the article in the Ashbury Times last June claiming that Gypsy Curse was a legal action was completely false. During the month of May 594 only, Gypsy Curse was a legal action for reasons too lengthy to be explained here. Gypsy Curse is considered an assault and will be punished as such should be victim chose to file a complaint.

Having said that, I also state for the record that I will not press charges against any gypsy who chooses to Gypsy Curse me personally. I would hope, however, that if I had sufficiently displeased any segment of the population such that they wanted to take such an action, that they would rather come to me and present their grievances. I can't guarantee satisfaction, but I can guarantee and I would listen to you, and you are far more likely to achieve the result you wish by persuasion rather than coercion.

If any other citizens wish to press charges against Eric Woolcott, please see me or Lord Faustus.

Duchess Mara Nicosia Vila Tirane

Your Grace and others:

I apologize for mistakes made in the Ashbury Times, but I assure you that I make every effort to confirm that all things that are reported to me are represented truthfully.

The fact of the matter is that I and my reporters have to remain hidden because of accusations such as these. It's a viscous circle--if we come out in public to try to get the information firsthand to make sure it's all truthful, we may get arrested; so we have to stay hidden and make mistakes so we can continue.

Her Grace's comments that I may be charged with Treason only encourage me to remain hidden. I had this same problem with her predecessor who wanted me caught and tried for Treason when I published reports about his necromantic activities. I was later proven right. I may be wrong this time, but at the time of publication I printed what through my sources appeared to be the truth.

The solution I have begged for many times is that people inform me of what they are doing and what the facts are--and do so by my deadline. I am not omnipotent; I need and want to know the truth. Leaving messages with the Messenger's Guild is a start. I have contacts who change from time to time who pick up the materials (I pay them well). The more information I receive, the more likely I am to prevent mistakes.

I try my best to do what I think is best for the Duchy by reporting the good with the bad. (As proof of this, note that I have offered columns to the Lord Magistrate, have printed commentary from Her Grace and others without comment, and always print whatever public notices I am given.) Having to answer to the nobility--or to anyone for that matter--jeopardizes the fairness that I am trying to achieve. I have no hidden agenda except the truth. There is no malicious intent to my news articles.

Admittedly, the gossip column is sometimes mean-spirited, but it is presented as personal opinion. It states facts overheard, and the columnist only writes what she thinks is true based on her opinion of the source.

The bottom line is that I am a person like all of you--I make mistakes. I am not one of those many evil baddies trying to overtake or destroy Ashbury. I have no hidden agenda. I do my best to try and present the truth, but I can only do as well as the facts before me. I will make mistakes, as will any editor who follows me.


Evendarrian Gamesmen Run Ashbury Competition

A group of Evendarrian gamesmen recently arrived in Ashbury and challenged "the mightiest persons in the land" to a series of voluntary competitions.

Adventurers and nobles from around the duchy pitted their skills against the gamesmen's champions, the Evendarrian Gladiators. The competitors were ranked in four classes: novices, scrappers, adventurers, and heroes. The competitions were varied and exciting.

After the three events, it was determined that each class had a champion. They were Balynthalus, Naerfen, Radric, and Deven, respectively. Each winner received prizes and the two who had amassed the highest overall point scores went on to compete in the eliminator round for the grand prize and the title of grand champion.

In a startling upset, the Mystic Wood elf Naerfen Kel-tier'lin defeated Regent Deven Du'Leges of the Shield of Vendamor, thus receiving the grand prize, a magic spear.

The creator and sponsor of "Evendarrian Gladiators," Merv the Gryphon, stated afterwards that he would like to thank all those who competed in his games, and would like to congratulate the winners.


Commoners Prepare for Annual Tournament

Various groups of commoners are already starting to organize their temas for the second annual Commoner's Tournament, scheduled for the weekend of May 26th.

Last year's exciting competition was won by one point by the group Midnight Sun. Bets are on that Vendamor, Checkmate, the Gypsies, the Alchemists' Guild, and the Healers' Guild may enter teams.

Groups receive silvers based on the points they get. The Duchess has also announced that she will be presenting a permanent magic item as a reward to the top group.

As per request of various groups, the schedule for the tournament has been slightly changed so that the competitions are closer together, allowing all to engage in other activities during the weekend without worry of missing events. The schedule is:

Saturday: Noon: Colors; Hunt Begins. 4pm: Combat; Spellcaster's Battle.

Sunday: Noon: Archery; Riddles; Race. 8pm: Entertainment.

Monday: Noon: Hero's Battle; Hunt Ends.


Radric Appointed Sheriff

On April 22nd, Lord Magistrate Faustus chose Radric Helfax to become Sheriff of the estate of Ashbury. Rumor has it that the Duchess was skeptical of this choice initially, given Radric's fey mark. However, the skilled warrior informed the Duchess that the fey had never exercised any control over him and had even ceased speaking through him.

Radric replaces Truxton as Sheriff, who mysteriously resigned his post and left Ashbury last month. He reportedly has many reforms in mind for the Town Guard.

Radric's new leadership combined with a recent series of Ducal Proclamations on law enforcement may finally re-establish the Town Guard as a major factor in fighting crime in Ashbury--that is if Sheriff Radric can outlast the "curse" of short tenures associated with the position. Radric is the fifth Sheriff to be appointed in Duchess Mara's reign.


Magistrate's Report

by Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht

In the past month, most legal matters had to be postponed because of the advance of Fangthorn's troll hordes; only two cases were decided. Some dancers were found Not Guilty of Treason for allegedly aiding Fangthorn's appearance during the feast--the guilty ones had already fled.

Also, a powerful healer named Father Rhapsody was found Guilty of Necromancy and two counts of Murder (against Modi and Corbin--both were Lifed). The grey-bearded necromancer was sentenced to three Deaths and executed, but resurrected elsewhere and remains wanted.

The gypsy cursing of Sir Aloryn is still under investigation, as are several Robbery charges against citizens for searching other people's slain trolls. On a more serious note, the half-orc Rafferty attacked Naerfen during Fangthorn's final assault--luckily the mystic wood elf was soon Lifed by Baroness Laurelin. The precise charges against Rafferty have been delayed pending the testimony of an unidentified witness from Trellheim. Finally, Her Grace has charged the editor of this very paper, Eric Wolcott, with Libel.

With current matters aside, some overdue legal clarifications are in order. All have been confirmed by the Duchess.

Gypsy Curses: Regardless of what errors may have been printed in the past, gypsy curses against an unwilling person are illegal and are considered Assault. Nobles might also invoke the Mockery charge.

Illegal Substances: The purchase or possession of necromantic potions or magic items is considered Conspiracy to Commit Necromancy. Likewise, both Enslavement and Euphoria elixirs are illegal substances--purchase or possession (regardless of intended use) is Conspiracy to Commit Assault. Such items should be destroyed as soon as they are discovered.

Baronial Manor Houses: Barons may try crimes committed within their own Manor Houses in Ashbury, but the Duchess recently changed the law so that Barons cannot perform executions without the prior permission of Her Grace. This provision is a gesture of respect to the Duchess.

Pressing Charges: The only crimes which require the victim to "press charges" in order to initiate a trial are Mockery of a Noble Title, Slander, and Libel. Otherwise, a Magistrate may prosecute any other crime reported or witnessed at his discretion, though the wishes of the injured party about whether to proceed to trial are often accommodated.

Arresting Powerful Beings: Many have questioned why extremely powerful beings (dragon mages, gryphons, etc.) who flagrantly break the law are not immediately arrested. The Town Guard is not required to do so if it is deemed that attempting arrest might endanger Ducal security. Such a matter is not a simple law enforcement issue because of the possible grave repercussions, and so such decisions are properly left to the nobility.

Guild Jurisdictions: Her Grace has instituted a review of noble jurisdictions and powers within the Mages' and Healers' Guilds (with their cooperation). According to Sorceress Shalizar, former-Duke Alaric took little interest in the subject and made no formal laws on the matter. A Ducal Proclamation on the issue, to be displayed in the royal guilds, is forthcoming.


Letter to the Editor

The following letter was mailed prior to the last Ashbury Times but, through clerical error, was omitted from that issue. The Times regrets its error.

As you are aware, I was recently convicted of murder by Magistrate Faustus Neumacht. As you are also undoubtedly aware, the charge of murder stipulates that a crime was committed deliberately; in the event that a man is killed by accident, even though the act itself may demonstrate "carelessness or "reckless disregard," the perpetrator stands accused of manslaughter.

In the February issue of the Ashbury Times, Faustus observes that he "discovered that the kill might be accidental" and hence saw fit to find me guilty of murder. This observation is, I believe, curiously inconsistent with the evidence that was offered at my trial. At the trial, it was acknowledged by all parties that the incident occurred at night, in the closing stages of a chaotic battle. Under these circumstances, it is not difficult to mistake friend from foe, even though one's enemy is not human. Moreover, it was acknowledged that I had no motive to assault Duncan Doolittle, since I had never met that individual and could not even identify him when this matter was brought to my attention. Indeed, even the allegation that I had murdered him in order to steal his possessions is clearly fallacious; by all accounts, Duncan Doolittle was already unmoving and unconscious at the time when he was killing blowed. If I desired to rob him, it would actually have been counterproductive to kill him; in administered the killing blow, I could only increase the chance that I would be caught as well as increase the severity of the punishment.

As I maintained at my trial, I believe that I could have made a mistake in the dark--that I could have killed an ally because I thought he was an enemy; I do not believe that this is a crime of which I alone am guilty. Indeed, Baron Bryan himself observed that I appeared to have mistaken Doolittle for one of our enemies and to have killed him before I took stock of that individual's true identity. Sheriff Truxton vehemently insisted that I did not deserve the punishment of death since the crime I was alleged to have perpetrated consisted of manslaughter and not murder.

It seems remarkable to me that the two witnesses whose testimony led directly to my conviction both concur in stating that I committed my crimes by accident and that I did not attempt to take the life of an innocent. Their judgement is, I believe, wholly consistent with the character of my actions during the year and a half that I have been a resident of Ashbury. For though I have been accused of both over hasty judgement and overzealous love of wealth, my commitment to preserving life has never heretofore been challenged. And so I would beg of my fellow citizens that they consider this allegation that I am a murderer in light of my efforts to heal others and to prevent the loss of life. In truth, it seems that if I wishes to see others die merely for the satisfaction I took in their passing, I could have accomplished tat end far more effectively by choosing not to act as I already have than by committing any act of murder.

Dax of Nordenn,

of the Healers' Guild,

of the Servenka Clan


Obituaries

SQUIRE THENGOR BAYER: Squire Thengor Bayer, born May 17, 549, died valiantly while defending Squire Kittery and Ta'wané Runeweaver on a mission for the Ashbury Healers' Guild. He was the devoted squire of Sir Konrad Valinor, the Ducal Paladin, and the first and so far only recipient of the Order of Kadorr given for bravery and unselfishness in a commoner. Thengor is survived by his parents and six brothers in Garm Baraq. Memorial services are yet to be announced. Many are indebted to Thengor for his unselfish acts of bravery and are deeply touched by his loss.

MATHIS BEORNSTANAS: Mage, Trollslayer, and founding member of the Red Diamond Company Mathis Beornstanas died his final death on Sunday, April 23rd, 595. Mathis was born in Trellheim, although he later moved to Ashbury city, he devoted his life to defending his home against the savagery of the trolls. Mathis returned to Ashbury to fight against Fangthorn, and it was in Ashbury where he stood fast in his final fight. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and forever remembered by all who encountered him.


Public Notices

THE BARONIAL COURT of Trellheim seeks the ritual components for the following celestial rituals: Controlled Spirit Store, Regenerate, Permanence, Damage Aura, Channel, Spell Store, Extend Ritual, and Expand Enchantment. We are also seeking components for the following earth rituals: Extend, Channel, and Expand Enchantment. You will be greatly rewarded.

LET IT BE KNOWN that the estate of Blackbourne is now a Freehold and Lord Morgan Blackbourne, the ex-Baron of Trellheim, is the administrator.

REWARD! 15 gold for the return of the magical sword Beerblade, and 20 gold for the return of the magical dwarven axe. See Squire Otto Neumacht at the Ducal Manor House.

SQUIRE IVAN DRAKE of Blythedale extends his appreciation to those who have made donations to the Havenwood Orphanage. Recent events have caused the orphanage much suffering and further donations are always gratefully accepted.

MY MOST SINCERE THANKS to the Dove Guard and Thengor for their constant support and protection, to Brightfeather for replenishing my health when no one else would, and to all who helped keep Ashbury safe and fought so hard against such a great evil. &endash; Squire Kittery

COMING SOON: The first annual high stakes poker tournament! Sunday May 28th, at the Dragon's Flagon, after the entertainment contest. Entry fee 3 gold. Grand Prize 30 gold. Minimum of 20 players. Secondary prizes will be awarded to table winners. Inquire at the Dragon's Flagon with Ta'wané. Please note: date of tournament, entry fee, and grand prize are subject to change based on the number of players.

THE DRAGON'S FLAGON is looking to hire workers in all areas. Good pay and benefits.

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD will be hosting a Ritual Component Exchange at Midnight Guildshall on Sunday, May 28th at noon. All group representatives and individuals interested in buying/selling/swapping components with each other are asked to bring their lists of identified components and bargaining skills to this one hour forum. Anyone requiring anonymity should make arrangements with Sorceress Shalizar at least one day prior to the Exchange to be assigned an independent Mages' Guild member representative.

TO ALL THOSE INTERESTED: Due to my new position in the Avalon Trading Company, I will not be in town much for a year or longer. Ta'wané: it's been fun; lets keep in touch. Mason: will you please watch over my house for me while I'm gone. Thanks all, and see all of you when my ship's in port! &endash; Captain Thomas Black

WILL ALL THOSE WHO RECEIVED invitations to the "very special gathering" please contact me. I think it is very important we all meet. &endash; Ta'wané

ASHBURY REGISTRY OF TEACHERS. Referrals for a wide range of skills. Discretion assured. Teachers: get students without spending all your time recruiting. See Prof. Turlough Kuranes in the Dragon's Flagon most weekends or at the Bardic College.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION. Scrolls read, items evaluated, potions and elixirs identified, celestial ritual scrolls read, contracts drafted, research performed. If it's out there, I can find the answer. Quentin Dunbury.

FREE DETECT MAGICS cast at the Ashbury Mages' Guild every hour on the half hour during Guild hours. (Listen for the bell). While the Tourney is running, hours are noon - 4 pm and 8 pm - midnight. Also: Magic items Identified, Ritual Components researched, scrolls bought and sold, and Rituals cast. Hot tea and cocoa for our chilled customers.

CONGRATULATIONS to Squire Algar! This deserves reward. See me later. &endash; Natasha.

HEAR YE, HEAR YE: the Shield of Vendamor wishes to congratulate its two newest initiates - Blade and Raven. We also wish to recognize our two newest wedges - Talisian and Vayne. We will not be accepting any new wedges until the fall, so speak to us then if you think you desire the way of the Shield. &endash; Quizat Dellwyn Thornbleeder

WANTED : Primary and secondary components for the following rituals: Cloak, Bane, Protection Aura, and Damage Aura. I promise to pay very well for any of these components. Contact Naerfen Kel-tier'lin.

EVEN A POOR ADVENTURER can have fun at Casino Shankar now that the Copper Club is open. Just come down to the tavern with coppers in hand. With a little luck, and a few hands of poker, you too could turn that copper into gold!!!

TO MY ANONYMOUS ADMIRER: I am well aware that you are not Unrok. Therefore, I am not interested. &endash; Shalizar

ALCHEMISTS OF ASHBURY! Having trouble finding recipes and lab space? Join the Alchemists' Guild! Suffer no longer! Looking for a particular ritual scroll or component? Trying to sell some? Sign up in the Guild ritual directory and we'll do the looking for you! Also, scribing and calligraphy.

REGISTRAR: Korann will be mine. Contact Sorceress Shalizar at the Ashbury Mages' Guild to arrange the trade.

I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS my thanks to Etcetera, Tsarbane, and Corrine for their performance of the Storyweaver's tale. With your help, we not only recovered the horn but we also saved a kingdom. &endash; Your Friend Brightfeather

HEALERS' GUILD MEMBERS: If you are currently a member of the Ashbury Healers' Guild, please contact Daphne Green at the Guild as soon as possible.

JARET: I look forward to seeing you again. &endash; T.

LEADERS OF ASHBURY: Spare the lives of your town. Come to your senses and accept that you have lost. You all shall kneel before me and call me master. These creatures you call trolls are serving me well as slaves, as will all of you in time to come. I was watching you from a far as your town parrying with the creature you call Fangthorn. Your town is weak. You lack skill and strength and most of all you lack courage. Other slaughters shall come. Like R'Kura, all of these towns shall fall before me.

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD will be holding its annual member meeting at the Amphitheater on Sunday, May 28th at 10 am. All Ashbury Mages' Guild members are expected to attend. Time for the various topics will be used efficiently and sparingly as new Guild policy issues will be discussed and decided upon. Democracy only comes to the Guild once a year; take advantage of it.

VERY SPECIAL REWARD offered for any will o'wisp essences! Not only top gold paid, but three hour gypsy massage! &endash; Ta'wané.

WE CAN MAKE YOU RICH! The Ashbury branch of the Avalon Trading Company is looking for investors. Please inquire with Shankar Vorg.

WARNING: to the man who forged the message in last Ashbury Times and besmirched my good name. Never reveal yourself to me or any of my men, or the Shield will make your spirit fear to ever again resurrect. I hope that message was worth your life. &endash; Regent Deven Du'Leges

ALCHEMISTS' GUILD: I think I have something you may want. Willing to trade for recipes and other things. Talk to the Wolfen Pack. &endash; Ulor Kaltani.

COUNT BRYAN: I would like to join your new team. I will permanently move into town just before the commoner's tournament, and I will be able to talk with you then. &endash; Ranir

BEST WISHES to Sir Konrad and Squire Kittery on their special day. &endash; Thena

REWARD for information leading to the capture and conviction of the vermin who robbed the Commoner's Guild. Be on the lookout for full earth and celestial spell books and a recipe book in particular. &endash; Ta'wané

TO THE VERMIN: Beware! You robbed not only me, but the entire town of Ashbury by your crime! May all hands be against you by your actions!

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new Apprentice: Corrine Dufore