The adventurers and nobles of Ashbury had gathered for a meeting with His Grace Duke Aramis Llyrr in the early evening hours in the month of the Hawk when a rift suddenly opened. His Radiance Galanthys IV of Galanthia appeared, surrounded by several Swords of Lore and a member of the Sabin Descry. Galanthys spoke of his new regime, and told Ashbans of what he had accomplished since last speaking with them, with a policy that included ridding the lands of slavery.
He wished to continue peace negotiations to seal the pact of friendship between Ashbury and Galanthia, but Duke Aramis was rightfully distrustful. Negotiations were proceeding with at least some degree of civility when suddenly Galanthys and his entourage collapsed to the ground, writhing in extreme pain.
Galanthys’ limbs began to wither, and as many Ashbans stood by wondering what to do, an adventurer named Star (a celestial caster) bent to touch the fallen Emperor to see if he could assist. Suddenly, the Emperor’s body disappeared and Star found himself able to converse with the invisible Emperor. Others, such as Guildmistress Shya Corak, Lady Azrael, Gilwing the dwarf, and Yalenus Veler (the so-called “Mouthpiece of His Radiance’s Will”) were the only individuals capable of actually seeing him in spirit form.
Within a few days, individuals began to disappear in a cloud of white
mist, to be gifted with one of the Emperor’s prophetic visions. “These
visions predicted a quest to be undertaken,” said Yalenus. “However, we
know precious little beyond that.”
The Sage’s Guild at various times attempted to discern the pattern
behind the visions, and any who have experienced these visions are encouraged
to visit the Guild and report.
There was also a visit by High Prophet Tamberlain of the Domain Descry. Tamberlain wished to have matters of Galanthian state taken care of. After a brief disagreement (since Star, the “Vessel of His Radiance,” was not quite understanding how things are done in Galanthia), the matters were settled. Bodyguards were sent, and in good time too, for members of the Sardiban group “Disintegration” appeared, wishing the Emperor ill. (and the body he inhabited by default). “The Swords of Lore valiantly assisted in driving off the anarchists,” stated Yalenus later, “and then prevented Star’s suicide from the effects of some gas placed upon him by an infiltrator. It is thanks to their quick action that his life was saved.”
Otherwise, beyond some conversations, The Emperor was not involved during any major battles, except as moral support to those who could hear his words.
This also caused quite a few strange conversations in the tavern and guildhalls where the Emperor “appeared.” One meeting in the Sage’s Guild turned into a most confusing comedy of errors as conversations overlapped.
“Although these events are highly unusual, it is my firm belief that the individuals of Ashbury will be able to find a solution that will return Galanthia’s beloved Emperor to this physical realm within his rightful body,” stated Yalenus.
With much arrogance, an obviously deranged mage sporting a puppet on each hand rifted into the center of Ashbury Common recently and proceeded to let the town know his thoughts on their current lack of trial and tribulation. He commented on how they have gotten soft due to lack of physical conflict, and then with a seeming effortlessness opened a rift behind him. Out of the rift oozed a reddish blob of extraordinary proportions.
The burbling red horror washed over the city, destroying much in its wake. Its voracious maw devoured many citizens and brave heroes attempting to subdue it.
The battle waged on for over an hour and much of the blob was hacked away, but it still cut a swath of destruction through the center of town, despite its shrinking size.
The whole time this tremendous battle raged, the mad puppet mage, arguing with himself (mostly over his self imposed title of “Tribunal”) walked in spirit form among the people, giving them misleading “advice” and “consultation” on how to destroy the blob. The only time the mage seemed to acknowledge anyone else was when it got into a shouting match with another spirit entity calling himself Methlendus Grimrick. The two seemed uneasy about the presence of each other, and got into an argument about whose territory Ashbury was.
Finally, and with much effort and loss of life, the blob’s maw was given a final blow, and the monster became inert, quickly dispersing into the ground harmlessly. With this, “Tribunal” congratulated the town on their dispatching of his chosen champion, and before parting the same way he had arrived, warned the town that the next time things would not be so easy.
These final words ring ominous that this will not be the last time Ashbury is visited by this clearly insane mage.
Mages' Guild Announcement
Guildmaster Tiriflorn MacMannon recently made the following public pronouncement:
Greetings all! What an interesting season it has been.
First, Guildsman Cedric researches the bottling of the Penthantos Gaffe and then locates and retrieves an Ice Elemental shard. Then I hear about two rogue wizards who are using strange new creatures to battle each other. Then, Magic Storm and Shatter spells go missing from memory and will not work, until Senior Guildsman Saja took the case. I don’t recall who cleared the Shatter problem though.
Anyway, the Guild is up and running smoothly I hear. Alas, I have not been able to make it into the city to see all of your lovely faces and greet the new Baronesses. I have been researching a reagent to make myself younger. And I’m having a few setbacks in my work.
Well, the most important news the guild has to give is this:
Senior Guildsman Saja of the Order of the Black Unicorns has been granted the title of Assistant Guildmaster. Congratulations Saja! You deserve it.
Thank you all for the aid many of you provided in attempting to find a means to return His Radiance Galanthys IV to his physical form. Especially those that risked their life in attempting to aquire the song of the siren. Hopefully, with the information we now posess, we will be able to find a means of returning His Radiance to physicality, and getting the peace process back on a smooth course. I would also like to apoligize to the Baronial Court of Blythedale, and to the mage known as Star for any inconvinence I may have been in my overzealous desire to ensure His Radiance’s saftey. I overstepped my bounds, and I am truly sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, and the people of Galanthia thank you all,
Yalenus Veler
Mouthpiece of his Radiance’s Will
To the people of Ashbury:
Greetings all. I am a simple farmer who was always fascinated with the life of an adventurer. I was a member of the local militia so I am basically skilled in fighting. One day, I was out in my fields when I heard combat in the distance. I came running to see what it was and I saw a dark elf fighting off red snake men (I learned later they are called “naga”). I tried to help him but they cut me up pretty bad. I ran to get help and found a team of dark elves in Ashbury city.
Well, needless to say, I was a little weary of leading them to my farm. Anyway, we got there and the unfortunate dark elf died. Immediately, the dark elves and naga fought each other. What a fierce battle. I helped the dark elves as best I could, but they didn’t need my help. They slayed the naga and interrogated them for vital information no doubt. The leader of the dark elves was/is a mighty warrior by the name of Lord Findarathio (Sorry if I mispelled it). He rewarded me for bringing him to my farm to kill these creatures! Can you believe it?
One month later, these things were back on my farm looking for something. I think they wanted the clothes of the dead dark elf as proof of their assassination. Having a taste of the adventurous life fighting side by side Lord Findarathio, I decided to drop my farm tools, pick up my swords, and follow these nasty reptiles. I found their lair. I ran back quickly to Ashbury proper, found the dark elves, and lead them to the lair. Lord Findarathio even let me fight along side of them.
What a powerful force we were! We killed fifteen to twenty of them in their lair. They were throwing all sorts of magic against us, but we resisted and fought back. What a grand day! But here’s where it gets better...when we got back, Lord Findarathio gave me a share of the treasure! I was honored enough to tag along and they demanded I get a share of treasure.
In my youth, I was told to fear the dark elf race. I was told they are all evil and a bunch of necromancers. I was miseducated. I was prejudiced against them originally, but this incident has changed my life. The Shokan have influenced me to quit the farm life and become an adventurer. I haven’t told my wife yet though.
So when you are walking through the streets of Ashbury at night and you see dark figures wearing black and burgundy, with glowing weapons, have no fear, it is just the Shokan of Ashbury.
Timothy Spruster
Ex-farmer, Novice adventurer
To the Gallant Town of Ashbury, and the Spirit Formed Fool that yelled at us:
First, Our hats off to you Ashbury, all three of them if We wore hats, which We generally do not, so it turns out to be a moot point. You fought valiantly against Our blob. Next time hopefully, Our challenge will be greater, as you seemed to have much ease with it. To be honest though, it’s all a roll of the dice when you open one of those rifts…you never know what’s going to pop out…they are very tricky to manage. Regardless, We think We like your quaint little town, well, the two of us that count do, and will be taking up residence nearby in order to keep an eye on things, and stop by every once in a while.
Secondly: To that fool that yelled at Us. Ashbury is Our new playground, and I doubt there are enough heroic types for all four of us to play around with. So if you know what’s good for you, all three of us have agreed, you best move on.
Tribunal
Dear Citizens of the Duchy of Ashbury,
In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of unwanted visitors that manage to get within our borders, and especially that manage to walk boldly into Ashbury City without so much as notice until it is potentially to late. We find this to be a mockery of our ability to protect the hard working citizens such as you and many others. Therefore we have instituted a new program designed to afford maximum safety to the Duchy and City. We have nearly doubled our Duchy border guard personnel, and are erecting more watchtowers as I pen this. We have also set up an elite border guard to patrol the borders of the City of Ashbury, and are erecting border towers at the edges of town, along with a wall and gate complex along the Dukes Highway leading in. With much effort and support I promise to make this city safe for all Ashbans and welcome visitors.
Pendalton Remp
Captain of the Ashbury Border Guard
Under His Grace, Duke Aramis Lyrr
CITIZENRY: My brother Duhans and I are searching for our magnificent lost brother, TriHans. We would be willing to pay for information regarding his current status amongst the unyielding rabble. We know one as incomparable as TriHans can not ever be truly a lost cause. We will be posting an award of undisclosed yet magnificent amounts for any knowledge you may posses in your puny minds that will lead us to a triumphant reunion of fraternity. – Hans
ASHBANIANS: I write this letter without my Brother Hans’ knowledge, for I am of superior skills of deception and he knows not what I do. We are searching for our lost brother TriHans, and need information you may have gathered that we overlooked due to apparent insignificance, as we can only deal with the largest of problems due to our greatness. We will be expecting any information to be given to us willingly, or you will taste the wrath of our amazing fury. Be aware, we know much of your many attempts at trickery. The Hans imposters that were sent to confuse and befuddle our superior minds worked only momentarily. But we quickly saw through your mostly translucent ruse. Next time you will have to try harder if you wish to challenge our intellect with illusion. No one can impersonate the beauty that is TriHans. Cooperate and the Hans’ will not be forced to commit an act of uncharacteristic, yet amazing brutality. – DuHans
COME ONE COME ALL! For a limited amount of time only you, the Fairest of Duchies, will be treated to the privilege of the most amazing, spectacular, razzmatazzarific Carnival of the Planes! Witness in wonderment as your senses reel, and your mind refuses to believe what your eyes perceive! See wonders from around existence, old as time, and further away than your imagination. Enjoy games, live entertainment, and food! Fun for old and young alike, a mage or warrior, it makes no difference. Come to the Carnival of the Planes! - The Ringmaster
MUCH THANKS AND REGRETS: To those of you who helped me rid my house of undead, thank you and I am sorry, but I had to do what I did. I will be in contact with you later. Forgive me, I do not as I want. - Alvia the Old
MY DARLING SIR FROST: A very happy anniversary, my beloved husband! Here’s to many blissful years ahead.- Your Adoring Wife, Lady Dara
LORD JEAN-PHILLIPE: My friend, I thank you for your noble deed during our last journey to Ashbury. I regret that you needed to ressurect,and tried very hard to find you in the deep woods. If you were ever in the same situation, I assure you that I would do the same to save you, my court, or the rest of the town if need be. Your aid is always welcome, your insight and humor are as well. I look forward to travelling with you again in the years to come. Please give my regards to your Lady and may your lands prosper. Be well, friend. In Thanks, Baroness Talin Gildenlily
TARQUIN: Please contact me about the Symbol that appeared on your face after resurrecting. I wish to know if there has been any unusual effects. (besides having a mystic symbol appear on your face, of course) - Yalenus
IF YOU WANT to exchange your components and scrolls for coins, come to the Mage’s Guild. We buy all Celestial scrolls, ritual scrolls, components, and magic items.
MAGIC ITEMS! Armor! Scrolls! Potions! Elixirs! Gasses! Weapons! Components! Ritual scrolls! Horses! All adventuring supplies are available at Lord Roldo’s Imports! Trade-ins accepted. Open every Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm, next to the Sage’s Guild, upstairs from the Dragon’s Flagon.