The Ashbury Times

June 610

“All The News That Fits, We Print”

 


Kelani Aid Icenia in Reclaiming Camulous

 

Less than a year after their own island had been reintroduced to Fortannis, the Keilani took on an active role in helping the Children of Camulous (who they often called “cousins”) in retaking their own home.

Last month, Makani and another representative of the Keilani who called herself Alana met with the adventurers of Fairdale. They advised them that they were doing all within their power to assist the Evorran navy in their military assaults, but in addition to this, the Keilani have a special magic that they used to aid the Children.

Makani used this magic to bring not only the Children but Mystic Wood Elves and even some visiting Ansconi to a special hot spring back on the island of Honua. There, Darkan, Aishling, Ryban, Katyreena, Landaria, Kerrigwen, Alor, and Syrah each were granted visions of things that they must do in order for the island to be freed. When the vision was complete, each took a stone from the pool, which then spirit linked to them. They would later discover that this stone was the key to completing their tasks.

When Landiara’s stone had activated he asked Sparticous to help him in his task.  Landiara, Sparticous, Andros, Lupiticus, and Darkan were magically rifted to an area were they encountered undead.  After dispatching the undead Landiara heard a voice he recognized as his father’s.  There was another Mystic Wood Elf alongside Landiara’s father.  Landiara realized his father was under the affects of an enslavement and quickly confined him and the other Mystic Wood Elf.  It had turned out that they had been ordered to guard a huge vat of enslavement elixir. 

Each of the Mystic Wood Elves were successful in their missions, and some were also fortunate enough to rescue their families from bondage. In addition, some frightening information that was of great import to Icenia was discovered – the queen had been betrayed.

Using the information gathered in these missions as well as those coordinated by Duchess Jacelyn Correlia of Evorra and her naval commander James Logan, the Icenians were able to recover Validus, the sword wielded by the late Queen Sidraste. When the Ashban nobles returned with the sword later, Dame Daralassia nervously handed it to Regent Dame Sonia, who thankfully was also not struck down by this sentient blade. Looking upon it thoughtfully, she handed it to Duchess Jacelyn, as she is a descendant of the Deannan line. The Duchess was able not only to hold it, but to wield it.

Validus in hand, Duchess Jacelyn led the adventurers to a large Evorran warship, which had been mounted with an anti-gryphon ballista that had been commissioned by Amaranthus during the Dominion war. So armed, they set sail for Sea Lion Island, sped considerably along their path by more of the Keilani magic. In the initial assault they captured the beach, and the Duchess immediately ordered a permanent circle of power be cast, so that resurrections could be performed if necessary.

The adventurers then fought their way uphill toward a large stone keep. As they fought toward the structure, the ship-mounted ballista took shots at it, however as it was designed to fire into the air and not at a land-based target, several recalibrations were apparently needed before it was able to hit anything and do any damage. The final shot struck the keep’s tower, causing it to collapse.

Once at the keep the adventurers fought down several levels into a deep dungeon. Where, much to their surpise, Camulous himself had been held captive in a strange fey-like imprisonment. Once freed from his physical bonds he was still unresponsive. Many cures were tried, but none were effective until Ryban looked into his eyes and began to talk Camulous out his stupor. Seeing the positive effect he continued several more tries, but his skill alone was not enough to fully break the spell’s hold. Every Mystic Wood Elf, Child of Camulous and Ansconi in the room lent their skill, and finally Camulous was freed.

Using what little strength he had remaining, he and some of his Children including Kerrigwen, now bonded to the land, called upon this bond to smite the remaining vacarrans. Baron Rorii, from atop the keep saw hundreds of them literally fall over dead before his eyes. Simon ran back down to the beach to discover more of the same.

     


Vacarran Leader Captured

 

Baron Rorrii, Dame Darlassia, Sir Daniel, Squire Sparticous, Squire Raven and Lupiticus were recently tasked by Commander Logan to capture the leader of the Vacarran forces. Commander Logan sailed his ship directly along side the Vacarran Pirate’s ship to drop off the group so they could extract the captain or his second in command.

The group fought their way through the crew of Undead Vacarran Pirates on their way down to the Captain’s quarters. With the sailors reduced to dust, Lupiticus and Sparticous kicked open the door.  Though Captain Rotwave was not on board, the group was able to apprehend his second in command and make their way back to Commander Logan’s ship. 

Once on land and back in town Commander Logan began to publicly flog the pirate in order to gain information from him.  Ryban was upset with the public display of brutality and tackled Commander Logan to the ground.  Commander Logan, who considered the young Mystic Wood Elf’s actions an affront to his honor, challenged Ryban to honor combat.  The dual was finished quite quickly by Commander Logan, and just before he was about to finish Ryban off Baron Rorrii intervened, and ordered Ryban healed.  When he awoke, Ryban knocked Commander Logan unconscious. 

Once awoken, Commander Logan was furious at Baron Rorrii for his interference, but after much discussion a second Honor Combat was agreed upon.  Squire Sparticous had convinced Ryban to be his second. 

This second Honor Combat didn’t end as quickly as the first, and both men put on a great show of skill and might!  For a time, it looked as though the Commander had the upper hand, but after a long and bloody battle, Sparticous stood victorious. He slew the Commander, and the matter was considered settled by Evorran Law.  During the Honor Combat between Commander Logan and Sparticous, Sir Daniel Grimsby was able to gain the information we sought from the Vacarran Pirate’s second in command.


Queen’s Sword Found on Vacarran Ship

 

The return of the Sword Validus was made possible by a small force of adventurers who made a late night run to a fortress on one of the islands occupied by the Vaccarran Pirates. Evorran Commander Logan brought Baron Rorrii, Dame Darlassia, Squire Sparticous, Lupiticus, Ryban and Andros to the island, where they were to investigate the fortress. 

The group first encountered a few small groups of undead, and then came upon three golems.  The golems proved quite a challenge, and at some point during the fight Dame Darlassia was able to grab hold of the hilt of Validus.  Luckily for the group, the sentient sword had allowed Dame Darlassia to pick it up, though not wield it in battle.  Once her companions realized Dame Darlassia had the sword they called a retreat.  The golems were still fighting as the adventurers made their escape. Lupiticus became frustrated and went into a flurry of blows destroying all three golems.  The group was able to retreat back to Commander Logan’s ship and safely get back to land.

 


Red Madness Continues to Spread

 

The horrific plague that the people of Icenia are calling “the red madness” is spreading like wildfire throughout the kingdom. Despite the ducal army’s attempts at containment, Vorak’s Peak and Tower Hills have been completely overrun. The plague has now taken hold in Morien, Woodwash, and Nantes. Waves of infected refugees have spread the disease as far as Evorra. The several villages in the Vansir Reclaim have fallen to the plague, and it is spreading south through Blythedale.

Overrun by the infected, the Duke has ordered a retreat from the infected areas with as many healthy survivors as possible. Unfortunately, due to the army’s diminished numbers and the lack of time to check the survivors for infection, only a handful were allowed to leave with the ducal forces.

A new discovery about the nature of the plague has sent a ripple of fear throughout the duchy. The Red Madness has turned out to be far more devastating than could be predicted. The plague attacks the spirit as well as the body, so the victims’ chances of successful resurrection become slimmer and slimmer as the plague takes hold. Once they reach the final stage of infection, they loose the ability to resurrect altogether. Those who die while in the madness of the plague are permanently dead.

Child of Autumn Kialda Loa, An eyewitness to this plague, gives the following account:

 

I write this in hopes of spreading any and all information I have that may be helpful.  If anyone reading this has any medicinal or alchemic skill, please consider helping us work towards a cure.  We (my brother Aegeris, Khorwyn Brey, Andros Westerling, and the Mystic Wood Elf Darkan, to name a few) have collected saliva and blood samples of the infected, and have gathered a large collection of powerful, medicinal herbs.  The forest whispers to me that it will be possible, somehow, to stop this disease.
    I awoke from my Great Sleep recently, in Evorra.  The sickness I saw upon awakening was shocking, and I was soon made aware that it was a plague that had been seen spreading in other parts of the world as well.  I know very little of this plague, but in hopes of providing help, I will recount with as much detail as possible what I saw.
    There was a family of refugees from Morien – a mother with one son (Michael) and one daughter (Ari) –traveling through the woods when they were attacked by blue-scaled reptilian creatures known as troglodytes.  When my friends and I arrived to help, these creatures had the family surrounded, and Michael was pinned to the ground by his mother, viciously struggling to break free so he could attack anything he laid eyes on.  He was frothing and growling, and his skin was blotched with red marks.  I stayed back with the young girl Ari, who ran from the monsters immediately to seek help.  I saw my friends defeat the creatures and subdue Michael into unconsciousness.  They then proceeded to examine the mother and Ari for any possible scratches or bite marks, the tell-tale signs of contamination.  The mother and Michael were found to be ill, Michael in the advanced stages of the plague and the mother freshly bitten. As far as I have figured, were taken to a far off ship in isolation until a cure is discovered.  The young girl Ari was left behind in the care of my friends.  I have heard that she is not the only child made an orphan by this terrible sickness.
    I witnessed one other event that I believe to have been caused by the plague.  It was late in the night, and I saw a sickly Biata sailor stumble into the tavern, begging for a drink of water. Believing her to be carrying the plague, my companions knocked her unconscious. Sure enough, her skin was covered with reddish blotches, and her shoulder bore a festering bite mark. From this sailor we have attained our samples of blood and saliva. After a few moments, the sailor shuddered on the ground and fell into a coma. The adventurers in the tavern began to consider how best to care for her, if any healing measure would be possible.  Before a decision was reached, the fallen sailor sprang back to life, growling like a mad animal, lashing out with its claws in a furious rage.  It was indeed a terrifying moment, and the brave adventurers sprang to action to subdue the Biata once more.  The unconscious soldier was carried away to the prison ship where the other plague victims were being held.
    My most sincere cry for help goes out now to anyone willing to listen and help us defeat this grave illness.  I do not wish to see such discord continue in this world.

 

His Grace, Duke Frost Vardik, has issued the following orders in response to the rising tide of the plague known as the Red Madness:

 

Citizens who have been infected with the plague are no longer protected under the laws of Ashbury. Those who have reached the final stage of the plague are to be DESTROYED WHENEVER POSSIBLE, and their corpses burnt.

All of the infected currently kept in PRISONS, HOLDING SHIPS, OR DUNGEONS throughout the duchy are to be destroyed and their corpses burnt. The prisons would better serve as safe havens for healthy citizens than breeding grounds for the infection.

This duchy will not fall into chaos. THEFT AND LOOTING are still punishable by a heavy fine or public flogging. Crime will not be tolerated in Ashbury.

 


A Recount of the Naval Battle Against the Vacarran Corsairs

 

Towards the end of the Dominion war, prints for a new model of ballista capable of shooting gryphons from the sky were secured by Amaranthus Landcharmer. Shortly thereafter he constructed one of the giant ballista and it had sat ready for use in defense atop Storms End Keep.  After the war had ended, the ballista was taken down and moved to another structure.  Its new home was to be on the prow of the Storm Blades new warship, aptly named the Storm Breaker. 

So begins the era of siege weaponry on the high seas, an interesting idea, to say the least, but it still needed to be tested in practice.  So I bring you this recount of its first trial by combat, in a little tale we like to call:  Voyage of the Storm Breaker” by Izer of the Storm Blades

 

It was a warm day, much like any other.  The smell of the salt air and the sound of waves breaking against the bow of the ship was invigorating. To look around was to see a ship, fresh from construction, unblemished and a virgin to battle.  To be there in the moment was to be filled with a sense of steady calm mixed with anticipation, but much was about to change.

The Storm Breaker left port, accompanied by two escorts from the Evorran navy.  Their sails filled by the breeze, pushing them outwards and onwards to their destination.  Panning out in front of them lay a great nautical battle that they were eager to join.  Twenty Vacarran ships of war were set against what ships the Evorrans could spare to defend the port, while their other ships were under repair. When the Storm Breaker had finally arrived to the fray, the ships of both sides were already engaging each other in the dance of battle.  In front of her was the first Vacarran ship to come in range of the newly fitted ballista.  She had spotted us and already began to change direction, intent on boarding us and winning one more vessel for their dark and malign fleet.  They sailed to their deaths.

“Orders sir?” yelled the Helmsman, down to the mystic wood elf in blue and black.  Darkan, with a stare of steely determination called for the ship to stay on course, knew there was no going back.

“Engineer, let loose the first bolt, show those bastards what Icenian ingenuity can do!” 

“Aye, sir,” yelled the Engineer.  A bolt the size of a small tree and as thick as a man’s waist shot forth with a force that stopped the ship dead in the water.  It was all the crew could do to keep from falling from the sudden reverse in direction.  The bolt sailed through the air, covering dozens of yards in mere seconds and slammed into the front of the enemy ship, tearing a deep gash down the length of her haul.  For a moment there was only silence, both crews in aw of what they just saw.  As quick as the moment came it faded.  The Vacarran ship began to sink immediately, her crew diving off the sides as to not be drug down with her.  A great cheer rose from the Storm Breaker.

“That one was for the queen!” said Andros, the fury of revenge seeded deep in his eyes.

“Don’t start the celebration too early, there are more right behind her!” called Kayden.  As the ships mast sank below the cold waters, two more ships, set on a direct coarse, closed the gap that we had created.

“How long till the next bolt can be loaded and ready to fire?” asked Brenan.

“At least a minute, an’ by the looks of those ships ye better be prepping to repel boarders! Buy me some time!” shouted back the Engineer.  The escorts had moved in to block the first of the Vacarrans, but the second one hooked to the right and quickly came along the port side, her crew swinging through the air, to descend upon us like raindrops of undeath.  There was no fight, there was a slaughter.  Fresh and eager to cross swords, the Storm Blades sent waves of spells and stabs of steel into the boarders.  In less then a minute the two ships had crossed paths, the Vacarrans prize sailing past them.  The ships haul littered with arrows and bolts was but minor damage, the real destruction was about to commence.  The two escorts that had blocked off the first of the ship new the plan, they parted and allowed us with a clear shot. 

The maneuver was not wasted.  Sixteen feet of solid oak came sailing from the Storm Breaker, its tip hewed to a wicked point.  The bolt took the enemy craft in the aft section, her cargo spilling out of her and water flooding in.  The last we saw of her as we sailed by was the prow slipping into the abyss. With the escorts back at our sides we moved at full speed into the thick of the fray, the sound of the ballista chain clicking on the gear, readying another deadly salvo. 

Then from behind came a mighty crack against the haul.  The ship that we had passed the first time was firing on us!  The only way to avoid her small, yet still deadly ballista were to put more ships in her way.  Darkan signaled for the escorts to drop back and handle the trailing vessel.  We would have to be on our own for a few moments.  As soon as the two ships dropped back behind to take care of the rear, more came to meet us.  The Vacarrans had taken note of us by this point, and with our sides unprotected a trio of their ships maneuvered in to over power us. 

“Turn back captain, or straight through ‘em?” called the helmsman. 

“Keep the ship straight, keep the wind to our back!” cried Darkan.

The clicking of the ballista stopped, she was ready to fire, but the corsairs were quick with there ropes and we had another assault on our hands.  They swungover in greater numbers this time, more to fall to our swords and spells.  The fight lasted longer this time, but was shortly done with.  The Engineer hurried his shot, and at such a close range he could not fire directly into the other ships haul.  The mighty bolt was let loose and it drove itself down the length of their deck, blasting apart the mast and mainsails of the enemies ship.  Not a kill, but good enough, that ship would be easy pickings for the escorts.  The ship from the opposite side came along our starboard side, we had barely enough time to fix our armor and we were being boarded again.  With so little time to prepare, this fight went harder for us, Sryah healing those of us whose armor had been shredded by the fury of the assault.  The sounds of blades mixed with spell incantations rang in our ears, with the ever present clicking of the ballista's gears. 

The attack was over, we were bloodied and bruised, tired and weak, we needed a minute to recover.  The pirates had no intention of letting us.  The last of the three brought itself directly in front of us, intent on blocking us. 

The fools. 

The siege engine fired and the sight in front of us was that of utter destruction and carnage.  The Corsair galleon was smashed in twain!  Her haul broken in two as if the sea itself had grabbed its ends and pulled them apart.

“Veer left! Left, damn it!” bellowed Kayden. 

With such close quarters fighting, our ship barely had time to sail out of the way of the sinking hulk.  The Evorran escorts did not anticipate this and could not follow, we were alone again, but at least we had some time to get our bearings.  We refitted ourselves and hooked back into the thick of the battle.  The commotion we had caused led to the Vacarrans becoming disorganized and heavily intertwined with the Evorran line of ships.  Only two of the pirate fleets vessels came to try their hand in destroying us.  I looked over at the Engineer, he was not cranking the chain, but instead frantically trying to oil and align the gears.

“Seems were going to have to do this the hard way mates,” yelled the helmsman. 

The Vacarrans let loose their small ballista rounds and we were pelted with bolts the length of a man’s leg.  Our flanks and rigging was punctured and torn, but still more then capable of keeping us afloat.  The first ship came upon us and we sprang from the cover we took on the deck to do battle once more.  Where the others had been weak, these sailors were of much stronger stuff.  We fought hard, and were given more then a steady fight, but we were victorious. 

“Fire at the next ship, they are almost on us!” commanded Darkan. 

“Aye, Sir,” said the Engineer as he pulled back on the lever.  A terrible groaning sound came first from the weapon and then from the gunner.  “Misfire!” he yelled.

 “Misfire? Misfire?!! Oh stars, how long till it can be fixed?” screamed Brenan. 

“I need another minute, let me do my job and you do yours!” said the Engineer as he pointed at the next ships boarding crew already coming onto the deck. 

Much like their sister ship from earlier they were strong and hardy combatants.  Without the years of honed skills possessed by the Storm Blades we would not of had survived the assault. 

When the last of the boarders were killed we looked behind us.  Both of the ship that had assaulted and passed us were turning around and coming back for another attack.  They were of a smaller and sleeker build then us and were able to come upon us almost simultaneously.  If we could only hold out for another minute, then the ballista would be fixed and the Evorran escorts would be back in time to give us aid.  The two ships sent out their ballista shots before they struck us. 

Once more our beautiful ship was dashed with bolts that could tear a man in half.  Then they came, and we knew that this was the best of their crew they could send.  We fought like men and women possessed by some arcane elemental of war.  Each of us knowing that there would be no surrender, no second chance.  To fail here would be the death of us all and the sinking of our cherished ship. 

The two attacks came almost back to back.  I saw my fellow Storm Blades being forced back down the length of the deck, each of us falling at times, but being picked back up by our stalwart healers.  As fast as the blood poured from my wounds, caused from a dozen different cuts, it was replaced by the healing talents of Sryah and Darkan. 

We managed to fend off the two deadly ship invasions, but we were all but out of breath. As the two ships passed us, the Engineer realized he didn't need the command.  The bolt shot forth true this time, the ballista chain almost snapping under strain.  The shot tore down the center of the starboard sides ship, snapping the mast supports and causing its deck to come crashing down through its gutted haul. 

We were too drained to celebrate, all of us in need of either healing or armor repairs.  We had done all we could do, our ship was moderately damaged, her payload of bolts exhausted, and her crew down to almost their last resources.  The Evorran escorts were almost with us, but still this last ship had managed to place itself between us and the port that we would need to limp back to for repairs.  Her captain stood on its deck, glaring at us with cold empty eye sockets.  We all new that this would be the deciding moment. We would either return to town to tell our tail, or die here and be swallowed by the sea.

We all exchanged glances and new what had to be done. Darkan turned to look at the helmsman and gave the command.  Even if we could not sink that ship, we would scar her so deep that her crew would never fight again.  As we approached her captain and crew, some of the largest undead filth that I have ever seen took to the ropes.  All was silent, then as if some unseen signal had been given, the Vacarrans roared their fury as they swung over to our deck.  At the same time, as one, we took up the call.

“Storm Blades!” we cried out.

I do not truly remember all the events of the last fight.  I had lost consciousness many times over its course.  My vision would fade, only to be returned by the healing of Sryah, her hand never leaving my back.  At times we were down to only three, half our number on the ground bleeding from every inch of their bodies.  Never before have I seen healing done so proficiently, then by those at my back. 

In the end, the battle was won.  The Vacarran captains stinking greatcoat and a few rusty blades all that was left laying on the deck of the ship.  Finally the Evorran escorts came to meet us and started to pelt the last ship to pieces.  We all were in tatters, both of flesh and of cloths.  Our arms felt as if they weighed tons, and our ears nearly bleeding from the noise of so much carnage.  Hurt as we were, we were still alive. 

“Take us back to the docks, helmsman,” said Darkan. 

The helmsman saluted, “’Twould be an honor to, sir,” was his reply. 

We sailed into port, damaged and wounded, but time would see both us and the Storm Breaker good as new. 

“Today a great deed has been done my friends, I think Sidraste would have been proud.” Said Andros.

“Come, let us drink to this day.” said Kayden. 

“Agreed,” said Brenan. 

Sryah, brushing back a lock of hair from her beautiful face, smiled and looked out to the horizon.  “I think we have made a difference here,” she said. 

“Yes,” said Darkan, “May we always remember what took place on this day. This is not a Storm Blade victory, nor is it just a Evorran victory.  It is a Icenian victory.  For all who stand against the evils that plague this land are what make this kingdom noble.” 

We made our way back to the tavern, to toast to victory and to kinship, to the Storm Blades and all who stand with us on the field of battle in defense for this land. 

I recount this tale so that the generations that come after us know that everyone has there place in the strands of destiny and can make a difference in the world.  It is my keenest wish that it inspires all who read it to strive to help craft a better and stronger Icenia, where our enemies tremble at mention of our kingdoms name. 

Long live my fellow Storm Blades, and forever last Icenia!


Wisdom of the Forest

 

What advice do you have for novice adventurers?

I am relatively new to adventuring and I want to know how Black Forest got started. That is, how did the adventurers on Black Forest survive long enough to become the team they are today? What can I do to set my adventuring career on the right path and what mistakes should I avoid?

Thank you kindly,

Novice Adventurer

 

Greetings Novice Adventurer! I am Sparktet Bone Littlebeard and I will try to give you some general advice based on several memories and experiences that shape my view on adventuring.

 

1.  Keep a journal

Many experienced adventurers do not keep a journal yet I place this piece of advice first to stress what I feel is an important tip. You see, I began adventuring in 496 and already the memories have begun to fade. In a few centuries one wonders if I’ll have accumulated any wisdom at all given how much I’ve forgotten in less than a score of winters. I have begun writing down what I do remember from my earliest adventures but I know that much information is missing from my recollections. Keeping a journal will help you accumulate knowledge and remember names and places. For example, I cannot recall the name of the land in which I attended my first gathering of adventurers. If only I had begun my journal earlier in my adventuring career.

 

2.  Embrace change

In a few decades or even less, Ashbury’s  more powerful adventurers may no longer be relevant. When I first attended a gathering of adventurers in Ashbury it was the third or fourth month of 597. We battled the dragon mage and vampire Loscarnos De Morganna. I only remember one powerful adventurer from that battle who still adventures in Ashbury today – Guildmistress Zaterina. Sir Agnar may on rare occasions be found in Ashbury as well. However most of the adventurers from that battle are no longer seen in Ashbury including notably powerful combatants Sir Algar, Baron Konrad, Lord Hanson and the rest of Trellheim, Baron Kelial, and Sorceress Shalizar.

 

3.  Recognize the timid

I have seen many so called “powerful” adventurers flee from manageable battles and cower in circles of power. Seeking safety is sometimes the wise choice but those who seek safety too often are unreliable in battle. Do not fight alongside those who are likely to run and hide unless you run faster and hide better than they do. It is worth noting that we cannot rely on reputation or title to determine who is steadfast in battle. We rely on our own observations. I, for one, have seen nobles and their teams run from the field of battle leaving the adventurers who had been fighting alongside them particularly vulnerable.

 

4.  Develop friendships

You need two types of friends. You need very close friends who are steadfast in battle to fight beside. These friends will be the ones who life you when the enemy has dragged you behind their lines. Or better, these are the friends who will make sure the enemy does not get you in a bad spot. You do want to befriend many other adventurers as well. Friends bring opportunities to gather information and to barter.

 

5.  Persist

Times change. The present now will later be past. You are likely to face high points and low points in your adventuring career. Face challenges. Deal with them as best you can and I promise that in a decade or two you will be a successful adventurer.

 


Healers’ Guild Report

First I would like to thank everyone who went to the Isle of Camulous and helped free and heal those in need. I am sorry I was unable to go with you. I had pressing demands on me here. I will be donating three bottles of wine for a thank you celebration on Friday night of the next gathering.

Also, Friday night for a time period I will be having a private meeting in the Guild. I am truly sorry if this causes an inconvenience to anyone, but it is extremely pressing that I do this at this time.

On a happier note through out the up coming weekend the Guild will have plenty of cold wine, strawberries, chocolate, salty chips, and other foods for those who wish to visit us. I will have various fine sweets and chocolates for sale as well. For those who don’t know, our doors are always open to those in need. Well, unless we are in a meeting.

For breakfast, the Guild will have hard boiled eggs for sale in the tavern. For the Guild breakfast I am taking suggestions. For those who are coming please contact me. I will also have extra fine coffee for sale in the mornings (free for members).

Congratulations to Balls, who has passed our various tests as well as our in-house trial. So we are now proud to say he is now an invested member of the Guild. 

For those who are new to town, I have Cure Light elixirs free to help keep people alive.  On a regular basis, we have potions for sale. They are only a single silver per level above cost. Protective potions are only sold to those who help and or donate to the Guild on a regular basis. I am sorry but I can’t afford to finance the Guild any more to buy lots of these.

Saturday morning at nine will be our Healers Guild meeting.  On Saturday night, I will be running the candy game for anyone who wishes to join in.

Zaterina N. Norik

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

By Sue D’Onym

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

Rowan LaTour and Larien Lissesul are always traveling together, but both of them say that they aren’t together. This past gather, Rowan was asked about Larien’s whereabouts, and he replied “She’s off having her way with Ket.” The next day, he was seen running off with Luka Aleshova, another Romani woman. What is really going on here? Has Larien found a Romani suitor? Is Rowan jealous, and now seeking comfort in the arms of another Romani?

Is it just me, or is Khorwyn’s hair looking a bit thinner than usual? Apparently, the rambunctious fey, Skittle, recently paid the town a visit to collect unique traits from each race. It seemed puzzled by humans, who did not seem to have anything special about them. When Khorwyn suggested his luxurious hair was a special feature, Skittle took a handful and ripped it out, keeping it as a trophy.

I heard that Sryah has visited and contacted nobles from other lands to protest Darkan’s trial.  The poor little blonde apparently doesn’t realize that only nobles from Ashbury have any say in the legal system in our duchy. 

And speaking of the Stormblades, they are all in a tizzy about Darkan’s conviction and my spies tell me that the entire contingent has been seen pressing Baron Ivan Drake to use any political power he may have to repeal the conviction.  Do you think that the fact that he is betrothed to Sryah, a member of the Stormblades, gives them any leverage?

It seems Squire Sparticous has obtained the Ritual Scroll and Catalyst for Race Change.  He was seen talking with Squire Raven on the process of seeking permission to Race Change to a wild elf.  Will we see Sparticous wearing more leather and furs soon?

It seems these Evorrans take their honor very seriously! After Ryban assaulted Commander Logan, the commander challenged him to honor combat for the insult. Squire Sparticous, seeing that Ryban was heavily outmatched, stepped in as his champion. In the end, the Commander resurrected after his defeat. The squire gathered up his belongings and brought them to the earth circle to await his hopeful resurrection. He was heard to say “Take these people seriously! I did not want to have to do this!”

Does Dame Darlassia have Royal blood flowing through her?  Maybe, considering the Sword Validus had allowed her to pick it up.  Should we start calling her “Your Majesty”?

Sir Daniel seems to be getting cozy with some of the ladies of the Nobility. Why, in one day, Dame Keegan was running around with his clothes on, and he was having some very private conversations with the Regent herself! I wonder if Keegan and Sonia know about each other … Oops! I suppose they do now!

After his constantly referring to surfing as “riding wood” Makani was overheard scolding Balls for his impropriety in front of an Elder. I’m not sure what surfing is, but either way it sounds dirty to me.

That’s all for this month!  And in the meantime, remember:  If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 


Letters

 

 

My Dear New Friends,

Brother Aegeris, Anne Rainwillow, The toymaker Katyreena, Khorwyn Brey, Andros Westerling, Laeona and Saradys, and all others involved: The world is a more harmonious place because of the goodness in your hearts.  Thank you for responding immediately to my plea and accompanying me into the forest to search for powerful herbs and earthly medicine that will help find a cure for the terrible plague that grips the land.  I cannot fully express the sadness and concern I feel for the young girl Ari, her sick brother Michael, and their troubled mother.  I can only hope our continued efforts will reunite them and stop such a terrible situation from falling to other innocent families. 

Before the Great Sleep, I have no memories of any illness so cruel and infectious as this plague that I have witnessed within my first few weeks of being awake again.  I feel the forest calling me to do all I can to help this hurting world.  I am thankful that the earth has blessed me with great new friends to encourage me and help me see the goodwill that remains alive after these many thousand years. 

To the blue-eyed Mystic Wood Elves and their healer friend Darkan: Thank you for your bravery and fortitude in rescuing the ailed family and caring for the orphaned girl.  I can not thank you enough for providing me with information that connected me with the good people who journeyed to the forest in search of medicinal ingredients.  I assure you, we will continue to do everything we can to use what we have found to produce some sort of antidote, and we greatly appreciate your continued support.  Darkan, please continue to send Ari my regards and care as you look after her.

Despite my initial concern with the state of the world upon my awakening, I can now thank my new friends for giving me hope in the continued goodness and harmony of the earth.  I look forward to our future adventures together, and I hope our efforts lead to great natural healing.

Kialda Loa

Child of Autumn

 

To all the scattered Children of Camulous,

The day we have awaited has arrived.  With the help of the adventurers and Her Grace’s forces we have retaken our islands from the Vacarrans.  We have rescued Camulous himself from his imprisonment by the pirates.  He wishes for all of us to gather together once again. 

Her Grace has helped to establish a permanent earth circle on the island of the Dolphin tribe and it is safe for you to return.  No enemy will harm you here.  I am not sure of the state of the other islands.  Although Her Grace’s ships led successful assaults on the Vacarrens on the other islands, there may yet be lingering traces of the undead pirate’s presence.  I cannot guarantee that they are safe, but the island of the Dolphin tribe has been completely freed and will remain so. 

And so I am writing this letter to all of my people who were forced to flee: it is time to come home.  Even if you have found homes in other lands, I ask you to take this journey to the islands of our birth so that we may regroup and begin to rebuild.  Duchess Jacelyn Correllia has given me two ships, the Dawn’s Promise and the Island Spirit and I will be sending them to the ports of Evorra, Southpoint, Port Frederick, and Dockside to ferry any who wish to return back to the islands.  I will remain here with Camulous and await your arrival. 

Council Woman

Kerrigwen Melite

of the Dolphin Tribe

 


Public Notices

 

MY FAMILIA AND FRIENDS!  I have wonderful news, on the 24th Day of May I gave birth to two beautiful Romani girls. Their names are Kiana Rose and Kitori Rose. They are both still very weak and small due to the VERY early birth, but my familia here believes that they will be healthy in a month or so.  Please if you wish to visit and meet my two little girls feel free to visit my caravan. My familia will welcome you with open arms!  I hope to be returning to Fairdale by the thaw next year. Though I cannot say what will happen between them and now. Lanna Rose

 

THE BLACK FOREST has the availability to create two items, lasting five years with five charges each, of any combination of spells from one school of your liking (per item) which will travel in all lands, all for a...permanence catalyst that work in the duchy of Ashbury and the surrounding lands. We also have permanent magical items, ritual scrolls, battle magic scrolls, gasses, potions, armor, weapons and coin. Any interested parties please contact any member of The Black Forest so we can work out your request. Thank You – Gilwing

 

“YOU WON’T BEAT ME.  I have a shield.” – Water

 

THE BLACK FOREST has two (2) houses for sale/rent. One in the contested lands. what better way to defend the contested lands by having your personal warded home to retreat to for the evening or to just run away? Either way this could be yours. This house would also make a perfect place for a section of the ducal army.  The second house is just on the border of the contested lands (out side of the contested lands). This house is a trap makers dream.  Fully equipped to make there life much simpler and quicker, a brand new trap laboratory is included. Please seek out any member of The Black Forest for information. 

 

SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED. We are looking for the following Ritual Scrolls: Channel, Enchant, Expanded Enchant, Race Reaver, Monster Slayer, Spell Store, Protection Aura, Copy Formal Ritual, Preserve Duration, Permanent Duration, Regeneration, Elemental Blast, Elemental Aura, Damage Aura, Earth Aura, Spirit Store and Controlled Spirit Store. We are also looking for the Catalysts for Permanent Duration, Controlled Spirit Store, and Copy Formal Ritual as well as any reagents. We are willing to buy or trade, please contact Squire Sparticous, Paythin or Lira.

THE BARONY OF THE ASH FOREST is seeking the following the Ritual Scrolls:  Arcane Armor and Protection Aura.  Speak with Squire Sparticous

“MY TURN.  I have a spell.” – Leaf

ELOCIN, please contact me.  I’m very worried, I haven’t heard from you in a long time. – Sparticous