On Friday, May 24th the citizens of Ashbury discovered notices written in blood posted all around the capital city of Ashbury. The messages indicated that Pansolore, who has vainly pronounced himself the new Duke of Ashbury, was imposing a curfew of 2 am for May 24th and 11 pm for May 25th. The notices warned that any citizen found outside during the curfew would be subject to immediate execution and confiscation of all property in their possession. Few citizens observed the curfew on Friday night and fortunately the foul abomination made no appearance that evening to enforce his order.
On Saturday evening, May 25th, Duke Bryan rallied the adventuring citizens together in the Dragon's Flagon tavern for a meeting of the War Council to discuss the anticipated appearance of the Liche. Duke Bryan gave a stirring speech to inspire the townspeople against this evil monstrosity. His brave and noble words raised the morale of everyone in attendance and the citizens agreed to unite against this common foe. Several wary citizens commented that while his speech was very moving, it hardly touched upon any discussion of strategy.
The citizens poured out onto the town square intent on destroying Pansolore after hearing Duke Bryan's words. Tension was quite high as the hour approached, but so was the spirit of Ashbury which refused to bend to the will of the undead. The night was deathly cold and unusually quiet as the citizens gathered in defiance of the Liche and his order. Urgency continued to mount and many citizens deserted the field before the hour of Pansolore's curfew.
Undead of various types arrived shortly after 11 pm and walked the city streets as any other townsperson might do on a summer evening. The creatures proclaimed themselves as lawful citizens of the new Duke with permission to travel the duchy during the curfew. The monsters didn't attack anyone, yet the townspeople of Ashbury, sincere in their quest to rid the duchy of undead, began to dispatch these vile monsters with great haste.
Pansolore arrived in Ashbury only moments later with an army of his undead, witnessed these attacks and expressed outrage that "his citizens" were being murdered.
The Liche demanded that everyone clear the square and seek shelter in a warded building or Circle of Power immediately. The people of Ashbury responded with scorn and threats, daring Pansolore to engage them in battle.
Natasha managed to greatly gather the anger of the undead by repeatedly insulting Pansolore and his minions, and found herself being gypsy cursed by an undead gypsy. Fortunately, she was able to remove the curse without any problem.
Pansolore gathered his minions and although at one point it appeared that the Liche would withdraw from the city, another barrage of insults sent the undead barbarian into a rage. Finally Pansolore ordered his minions to kill everyone on the field and a fierce battle erupted.
Pansolore himself lead the charge against the town and his army decimated over half of the citizens in under a minute of battle. Many citizens deserted their comrades and fled the fray to save themselves while still others watched in horror as their comrades were turned into zombies. The Liche commanded his minions to halt their advance and gave the remaining people another opportunity to flee the field of battle.
Pansolore ordered the beleaguered citizens to obey the curfew and the crowd replied with a volley of spells. The town square was devoid of all life after another minute of combat.
Strangely the Liche ordered his minions to bandage the wounded and provide Life spells to those in need. Pansolore commented that he would have nobody to rule over if everyone in Ashbury died, and so he showed mercy to many citizens. The remainder of the evening was a nightmare for those who had survived the slaughter. Over a score of citizens watched in terror from the woods as Pansolore walked the town with an entourage of desecrated zombies including the Duke, Sir Kirath, and Sir Angus.
Pansolore approached the Ducal Manor House at one point and asked the Duchess to lower the Ward. Duchess Mara refused to obey the Liche and in fact refused to even acknowledge his presence or speak to him. Pansolore ordered his minions to draw a circle around the building and to prepare to cast a Destroy Magic ritual to gain access, but apparently this was just an idle threat. Seeing that Her Grace would not speak to him, he quickly lost interest and moved on to converse with other citizens.
Many people had retreated to the Dragon's Flagon and Pansolore arrived there after departing the Ducal Manor House to converse with the survivors. He demanded to speak with a representative of the town and Sir Faustus quickly stepped forward. Pansolore pointed to the dead and dying bodies of citizens littering the town square and said that it was futile to resist his army. He stated that he has no wish to kill the people of Ashbury, and hopes that they will obey his curfew in the future.
Pansolore said that the people of Ashbury must learn to accept him as their new duke to avoid another such massacre. The Liche proclaimed that citizens can remain alive, transfer their spirits into golem bodies, or transform themselves into undead if they wish, but one way or another they must all bow to his will. The Liche also announced that he was instituting several changes in the law. Necromancy was to become legal, as was consorting with undead. Sir Faustus insisted that the people of Ashbury would resist Pansolore every time he entered Ashbury.
Pansolore granted several citizens permission to travel the city during the curfew. Some of these people were required to cast necromancy first to prove their acceptance of Pansolore's new laws. Kiegan McEwan and Saerth of the Harvest Moon didn't hesitate to use the dark powers of Chaos while Sir Faustus watched from inside the tavern. Afterwards they were given permission to travel about unmolested by the undead, and did what they could to save their friends and allies. The two turned themselves in for punishment after the Tournament, but their trial has yet to be held.
Additional information about Pansolore's minions was discovered as the night progressed. The Liche has appointed four of his most powerful minions as barons, and each was busy trying to recruit citizens to join their courts. Furthermore, a diamond golem called "The Harvester" was seen traveling with the Liche. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the golem is actually the arch wizard Mordechai seeking vengeance for the destruction of his love Mourna.
Pansolore has also appointed an undead Lord Magistrate, and the position has proved no less demanding for him then it is for our own Lord Magistrate Nerifin.
Pansolore's Lord Magistrate was kept busy, as he had to conduct two trials during the evening. Sir Konrad was charged with assaulting a zombie, and Sir Faustus was charged with high treason. Fortunately Sir Konrad was found innocent and released as the testimony of a death knight who witnessed the crime could not confirm that Konrad had actually attacked the zombie in question. However, Sir Faustus was found guilty due to the testimony of a vampire and a letter written by the chancellor himself -- not that the undead's trial made a difference in the real court of law. Sir Faustus erected a Circle of Power around himself before he could be taken into custody, but some citizens overheard Pansolore saying that Faustus would be Obliterated when the Liche returns to Ashbury.
The Healers' Guild quickly became overcrowded with citizens resurrecting after the battle as well as those seeking safety from Pansolore and his minions. Pansolore ordered his undead baron of Nordenn, whom some suspect is a vampire, to escort these citizens in small groups from the Healers' Guild to the safety of their warded homes. It was a slow and humbling experience for many citizens. Yet, true to his undead word, these citizens were not harmed.
Among those who bravely fought and died in the battle were Duke Bryan, Sir Angus, Sir Balynthalis, Britehawk, Chip, Natasha, and Sieghart, as well as many other adventurers as well as some local merchants. All resurrected with no problems.
Pansolore vowed that he will reclaim the lands once owned by his barbarian clan before the Kingdom of Evendarr conquered his peaceful people. The Liche claims that this was his second attempt to negotiate peacefully and each time the citizens of Ashbury have responded (not surprisingly) with violence.
Reputedly, Pansolore was once the chieftain of the Sabertooth tribe and championed the war against Mourna "Mistress of the Dead." Centuries ago, Mourna transformed Pansolore into an undead monstrosity called a Genhorde, which loosely translates to false liche, and turned him against his own people. The Sabertooth barbarians have no love of undead and never cast necromancy so it is unclear how they feel about the Liche or his actions.
Pansolore continued to walk the town and even stopped by the Midnight Guildhall to speak with Guildmistress Shalizar. The Liche reportedly said that she had been respectful to his minions and so her Guild members would be protected providing that they obey his laws. Apparently he had much unfinished business, but the citizens attack had prevented him from concluding several matters of importance. The Liche finally lead his army away from the city long before any of the ducal reinforcements could arrive.
Duke Bryan is apparently willing to return some lands to the barbarians and establish a freehold where they may live in peace and have autonomous rule, but states that such a thing should be done because of the desire for peace in Ashbury and not because of the threats of Pansolore. However, Pansolore told several people that he would finally have his eternal rest once the lands of his ancestors was returned.
The weekend of the Commoner's Tournament started out quietly in Ashbury. Other than a few small goblin raids, the town seemed peaceful -- but that was to change.
Not long before sunset a man walked into town with three guards and quickly proceeded to draw a large circle of power near the Dragon's Lair Guild Hall. His guards then left him and he proclaimed that he was Shakleford, the next king of Evendarr, and that his victory was at hand as he would soon free the Shadowtrolls from their captivity to serve him. The adventurers of Ashbury had seen his like before -- another would-be conqueror with delusions of grandeur -- so they gathered around his circle of power and waited.
As the sun set, he raised his large black polearm, which he called the "Key of Shadow," and declared that he now would open the gates to Zhaduk and free the Shadowtrolls. With that, he struck the ground with the key of Shadow. All at once there was a huge rumbling and the earth shook as a huge glowing jade gate emerged from the ground, its interior shrouded in shadow. When the earth ceased its shaking he again raised the Key of Shadow and as the last of the day's light fled the sky, he called forth the ruler of the Shadowtrolls.
What emerged from the gate was however nothing like a troll, as a huge creature easily the size of three large men came forth. He was black and seemed to suck in the little light that surrounded him, and he had silver horns and projections all across his body, and his eyes glowed, one green and one red. Shakleford turned to him and commanded him to be his servant, a command which brought forth a deep and evil laugh which echoed across the field.
The creature told Shakleford that he was a fool, and that he was no one's to control. Shakleforth let loose with a flurry of spells hurling fire, ice, lightning, binding magics, and imprisons at the beast, all to no effect. The beast laughed and spit forth two bolts of magic from its great maw. The first one weaknessed Shakleforth and the second paralyzed him. The beast then dragged him through the gate and vanished.
All was quiet for a few moments as the citizens of Ashbury who watched the spectacle spoke in hushed tones about this strange new beast that seemed to be immune to spells.
Suddenly, the circle of power dropped and as the warriors and mages of Ashbury prepared themselves for what would come, a sea a blackness swarmed over them. A veritable horde of shadow-like creatures with either green or red glowing eyes flew from the gate and smashed into the forces of the town. Warriors fought them and mages hurled spells but few were defeated and the town was laid low. Casualties were many.
The great beast emerged again and called his troops back, telling them to begin taking control of the area in groups. This gave the forces of Ashbury a chance to heal those who fell. The town fought back and was taking a beating again when from the gate ran a dwarf carrying an axe which looked like a small version of Shakleforth's polearm. He struck at the creatures and with each swing a discharge of light came forth from his axe, and the creatures fell before him. He yelled for the leader and was approached by then-Baron Eridan. He seemed pleased to see an elf approach but thought that he was a Quentari.
He introduced himself as Barak Ironmonger and spoke quickly to Eridan explaining some of the methods used to fight these new and deadly creatures, which he called "Darklings."
"The ones with green eyes," he explained, "are immune to all magic but a Light spell which damaged them the way a Flame Bolt damaged anyone else." He recommended that the warriors of the town should concentrate on them. The red eyed ones were affected similarly by Light spells as well as normally by all other magics, but they had incredibly tough hides which repelled all but the mightiest of blows. He also advised the town that when they use weapons, if they coat the blade with a Liquid Light contact gel, the strength of the blow would be doubled.
Using this information, the town split its resources, or as Marr advised the fighters: "Green means go, red means stop!" They were able to push back the Darklings -- however Barak warned them that these were the weakest of the forces.
Several people from the town attempted to pass through the gate and found themselves in a state of nonexistence as the flow of time for them ceased. Others were able to remove them from contact with the gate but no one could pass through.
As he spoke and the people of the town approached him, Barak became confused by the number of races which existed. He recognized elves and dwarves but no others. His story helped to explain his confusion.
He was from the dwarven nation of Validor, which is the nation in the Ashbury area, but he was alive at the time of its creation millennia ago. The time he came from was not long after the nation's founding; when the only races he knew of upon Tyrra were the dwarves, the Quentari elves, and the trolls, who were a peaceful race at the time. At this time, the world was beset by a hideous race known as the darklings. They seemed to come from everywhere at once appearing in the dwarven caverns and the elven woods under the darkness of the night. They attacked mercilessly and nearly destroyed the three races.
To defeat the darklings, a group called the Knights of Virtue, who were diplomats and warriors from all three races, helped to forge the "Great Alliance" and the elves, dwarves, and trolls fought back against the darklings together. The dwarven smiths outfitted the troll warriors and the elvish mages aided each race and together the three races pushed back the darklings.
On the eve of victory, King Roganak Stoneheart of the dwarves and Prince Luvian Dramorgland of the elves led the charge against the darklings. As they began to push them back they called for Chargo, King of the Trolls, to bring his forces to bear. Chargo, however, had made a foul pact with S'set, the Darkling Lord, and betrayed his allies, forcing the armies to flee. King Roganak, Prince Luvian, and the entire body of The Knights of Virtue were killed to a man. Then S'set and the other three darkling lords wove a foul magic and turned the troll army into Shadowtrolls, no longer affected by the flame spells they feared most.
The dwarf and elf forces retreated and planned in secret. Led by Prince Luthien, Luvian's brother and Barak himself as the leader of the remaining dwarves, the two races planned and worked out a scheme to stop the darklings. Martial victory was no longer an option the forces of the elves and dwarves were too weakened, so they had to rely on strategy and magic. Luthien created a device called the "Chronos Flux" which was then forged by Barak. The device could be used to stop time in an area the size of a city. If the dwarves and elves could lure S'set and his horde into the abandoned City of Zhaduk, they could use the flux to trap them there.
And so they did trap the darkling horde in an area where time did not flow. Barak himself remained in the city in preparation for the chance that the darklings could be freed.
Barak was unsure what to do. Luthien had warned him that someone may create a Key of Shadow and free the darklings, and he had given him a Lesser Key of Shadow to aid the forces who fought against the darklings. But without further information, Barak was unsure how to close the gates again. According to Barak, only Luthien knew the secrets of the Chronos Flux and he had been dead for millennia.
No one was sure how to converse with someone who was in the graveyards for so long, until the wild elves among the town spoke of the "Spiritflight."
The Spiritflight is a wild elf ritual which allows them to kill themselves and speak to the spirits of those elves who are in the graveyards. Of course, no one wanted to die in order to try and talk to a spirit which may not speak to them. Barak suggested a solution -- Since time did not flow on the other side of the gate, he could bring their bodies across the threshold and bring them out after an hour. This, he said, would extend the period of time till the kiergani needed a Life spell. Since he would not be able to tell if the spirits had returned, he suggested an hour as the cutoff time for the attempt. With this in mind he again asked the kiergani to attempt the Spiritflight.
Brighthawk, who spoke for the kiergani of the town, began political bargaining with Baron Eridan to perform this life threatening ritual. She demanded another seat for the wild elves on the Amani Council to even attempt the Spiritflight. The Baron and the kiergani met in private and the kiergani agreed to attempt the ritual. What was agreed upon was not revealed. Barak was heard to complain that politics was not in the best interest of the people of Tyrra.
The kiergani of town gathered. Brighthawk, Drakonis, Derek Dreamweaver and Alexander all approached the gate with Barak and several townspeople. Here they killed themselves and were taken through the gate by Barak. There spirits floated free of their bodies and journeyed to the Elder Wood, the graveyard of the elves. Here they faced guardians of the wood before they met with the spirit of Luthien. Luthien talked to them of the darklings but could not believe that any would be so foolish as to free them. His memories were clouded by the passage of so much time, so he told them to seek his notes which were written in the Ledger of Shadow, in his hall in Zhaduk. He warned them that he trapped it heavily and guarded it with his magics. The spirits flew back to their bodies with the information and were Lifed upon exiting the gates.
With the knowledge of where the Ledger was, a group consisting of Sir Konrad, Dame Kittery, Squire Jaret, Squire Olin, Mason, and Natasha accompanied Barak to Luthien's hall in Zhaduk. They went past a trapped hallway with glyphs and tripwires strung throughout, and were met at the end by an obsidian golem with a celestial scholar stored within. Once past this beast, they entered the main hall which was trapped and guarded it. Here lay the ledger, again guarded by traps. The group acquired the book and returned to the world above.
The book contained much information about the darklings and their history. It gave the recipe for the alchemical substance that would cure the "Darkling Infection." It also gave much information about the Chronos Flux.
The Flux was constructed of six parts: The Casing, which made the time barrier; The Phasing Rod, which was the emitter for the timestop effect; The Pocketstone, which was the power source for the device; The Focusing Orb, which aligns the energy within the flux; The Temporal Lens, which focuses the temporal energy; and The Activator Key, which caused the Flux to turn on. According to the Ledger, when a Key of Shadow is used on the gates of Zhaduk, the Chronos Flux would become unstable and breakdown to its component parts, each of which would fly across the world attracted to its point of greatest stability. The Ledger listed eleven locations around the world which were probable locations for the points of stability. It also indicated that the casing would fragment and the pieces would be found across the area where the gate was opened.
When the map coordinates in the ledger were interpreted, the following were the locations revealed: Crookhaven, Koko-Sho-Ne, Myrr, Jhivantane, Stonedale, Garm Baraq, Draelonde, the North Pole, the Tundra to the far north of Ashbury, a cavern system in the oceans to the east, and an unmarked area on the continent of Amyss which Barak indicated was a gladiatorial area in his day.
Knowing these locations and getting there were two different things, but Barak again was able to help the town. Within the confines of Zhaduk was a magical portal called The Archstone of The Kings. With it, Barak could take a group to these locations and hold a portal open for their return. He warned that each person could only use the gate for one round trip without it killing them, so it was critical for them to choose who went to which location wisely.
The first group went to the dwarven nation of Garm Barq and was led by Smith and a dwarf named Duncan Stonefist. Accompanying them were Lord Magistrate Naerfin, Hawkwing, Calis and Gwindor. They aided the dwarves there in rescuing several of the dwarves who were captured by trolls. They did not find a piece of the Chronos Flux but recovered an artifact called the Lumenaxe, which was used to fight the darklings.
The next group went to Crookhaven where they found the Pocketstone being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Lord Aloryn, Squires Wilhelm and Ivan, Jonah Purus, Killian Drake, and Emerald the Gypsy went along. Aloryn was anxious to visit the ancestral home of the hobling race that he just joined. Through discussion and negotiation, the group was able to convince all other bidders to abandon their bids and allow their group to purchase the Pocketstone.
While the heroes went to Crookhaven, the people in Ashbury began to find members of the Smartguyz goblin tribe throughout the woods with white crystal fragments which proved to be pieces of the casing for the flux.
After the return from Crookhaven with the Pocketstone, Barak took a group to Tyrra's northernmost point. The group consisted mainly of members of the court of Ash Forest: Squire Zackary, Squire Jaret, Mason, and Natasha, along with Narc and Ian of Clan McEwen. They fought their way past many yetis into the deep ice caverns and while leaping across floating chunks of ice, fought a huge serpent that came from beneath the freezing waters. The serpent fought them long and hard but was finally vanquished. Across the waters they found the Activator Key frozen in a large block of ice. After hacking at the ice for a long time and using Flame Blades to heat their swords, the adventurers retrieved the key. Squire Jaret fell into the waters on his way out and nearly returned to Ashbury as a frozen block of ice.
At this point, attacks from Shadowtrolls increased. These creatures seemed to be the darklings' first line of attack during the daylight hours. Also, humans with dark circles on there foreheads began to appear and attack the townsfolk. These were those who fell to the Darkling Infection and were being controlled by S'set to attack the town. These poor souls were Imprisoned until a cure could be found for them.
Barak took the next group to the gladiators area on Amyss. It turned out to be a place called "The Pit" and was the site of the first darkling hordes' emergence. Squire Olin Redbeard organized a group to go to the pit which included Siegard, Sir Angus McEwen, Kiegan, Hugo McEwen, and Talia Grey. These brave souls fought in gladiatorial combat, both in groups and singly, they were awarded with the prize -- temporary immunity to fear -- but were henceforth unable to retreat from battle. This immunity to fear was a great weapon in the fights against the darklings.
The next group went to the undersea caves and was led by Squire Tavernier Septorian. The group consisted of Azura, Marr, Xavier, Anakin, and Bayte. They found themselves in the undersea city of Grasst, a city of Naiads, ruled by their Queen Phonecia. The Queen's scepter was the Phasing Rod, a piece of the Chronos Flux which also served as a magical mace that swung for light damage. The Queen agreed to give them the Rod if they brought her the Sea-Troll King Flamarti and her traitorous sister Uphasia. The group agreed and fought their way through the sea-troll forces till they came to face Flamarti and Uphasia. These two tried to convince the group that they were being deceived by Phonecia but their actions betrayed them and the group vanquished them after a long hard fight. The group was rewarded with the Phasing Rod, which Marr used proudly throughout the rest of the weekend.
When the Phasing Rod came back, the darklings were worried that the town may succeed in stopping them, so they sent a huge attack of Shadowtrolls through the gate to attack the town. The waves of Shadowtrolls seemed unceasing as they pounded the town again and again. But finally, as if a storm were ending, the onslaught from the gate ceased and the town stood firm. Afterward many were heard to say that it took nearly all the potions and scrolls the town possessed to get through the attack without loss of life. Many were heard to say that many charged Life items were used up in that fight.
That evening Barak took one last group through the gate. It was to go to Draelonde and the group was led by Warlock Marius, a former Drae. With him were the dark elves Siege and Alexandria, as well as Ta'wane, Roland Valinor, and Darian Illthranis. The group first came across a group of drae guarding the area. The two groups began to speak when Warlock Marius attacked the drae in midst of the conversation. No one was sure why he did that or if it was needed. After this the group wandered through the caverns and fought a group of black skinned red faced individuals whose descriptions match the Baracoor, another underground race. This group trounced the Ashbans and if it were not for Ta'wane's many life spells, several would have died. The group was forced out without finding anything.
Barak left for the night and the town was assaulted by Pansolore and his forces (see accompanying article). During this attack, Marr was felled and the Phasing Rod taken. Duke Bryan Nordenn sent heralds throughout the towns of the Duchy asking Pansolore for its return the next day. He told them to say that if the Rod weren't returned, Pansolore's town would be destroyed. The admition of Duke Bryan apparently impressed Pansolore for a barbarian came to town the next morning telling the Duke that Pansolore did not have the Rod. Indeed, Alexei, one of former Lord Morgan Blackbourne's men, had retrieved the Rod at great risk to his own life the previous evening and had just reported the fact to the Duke moments before.
Throughout the night, more darklings attacked at random but the forces of Ashbury were very weakened from Pansolore's assault and could not fight them fully. The next day many more infected commoners were seen.
Early Sunday morning, a group consisting of Algar, Eridan, Dame Kittery, Sir Darius, Sir Balynthalis, and Squire Lupiticus went through the gate with Barak and journeyed to the frozen tundra to an area called The Wastes. There they met an old blind man who cared for the last of the Ghandari Reindeer, a creature with great healing powers similar to a unicorn. The reindeer was old and the last of its kind. The Ashbans tried to aid it and then left it in peace when they couldn't. No part of the flux was found there. When the adventurers did not molest the Ghandari, the old man rewarded them for their dedication to life.
The next group went to Koko-Sho-Ne, where the phoenix dwells. The group was met by one of the Af-Zeli who agreed to let them use a kite to meet with the Phoenix if they proved themselves worthy. The Af-Zeli enjoy great talent, whether by craftsmen or entertainers. Each of the group entertained him to show their worth. Petra led the way with a short song about the troubles the gypsies are currently facing. Drakonis, Grandin LaMoore, and Findrago each told stories, and a new gypsy to town named Chip sang an entertaining song about a dancer. Chip greatly impressed the Af-Zeli. His act was followed by Shawn MacMorna who sang a highland dirge which also greatly impressed the Af-Zeli. He allowed the group to use one of the kites to fly up to the edge of the volcano above which flew one of the Phoenix. Findrago led the way flying through the sky, and tried to entertain the great firebird with a story, but the Phoenix was unimpressed. Chip tried next and the Phoenix was impressed by his song which spoke of each person's need to find their own corner of the sky. The Phoenix dove into the volcano and returned with the Focusing Orb which he told them had appeared two days before in his volcano. He invited Chip to return and visit with the gypsy Clan Benu which lives upon Koko-Sho-Ne.
The next group went to Myrr and was led by Draeth the stone elf. The group consisted of the sarr Brin and Tara, along with Shaoud, Corbin, and Daniel Star. The group dealt with leopard sarr which lived in the Nishapoor jungle and fought gnolls for them. They did not find the lens which was the remaining piece of the flux.
The next group was led by the Duke and went to Jhivantane. He brought Sir Faustus and Squire Manx with him and four members from the Shield of Vendamor went along, including Deven, Unrok, Vayne, and All'x Doomhaven. Though they fought many necromantic abominations they did not find the lens.
The lens was in the last place on the list which was simply indicated as the closest area of large temporal disturbance. Jonah Purus figured out that it was most likely to be the Stonedale Circle in Ash Forest, a place where great temporal magics surged out of control in the past. He was indeed correct, for no sooner did the group of elves arrive but they were drawn within the very flow of time itself. Led by Sir Konrad and Sir Kirath, and accompanied by Nicademus Gotham, Brighthawk, Alexander, and one other, the group found themselves appearing in different scenes from history -- or the future, it was unclear. They followed a mysterious pull through the time stream and fought barbarians and fey. They then fought insubstantial wolflike creatures whose touch aged them and their weapons. They won the battle but most of them had no more than one or two limbs left. They crawled on through the time flow and met an elf who could not remember how he came to be there or how long he was there for. He held in his arms a silver lens which he gave over to them for the asking. This proved to be the temporal lens. The flow of time then reversed itself and the heroes were spit back out through their gate. They crawled and hopped through the tunnels in Zhaduk and out the gate to Ashbury where they were quickly restored by their compatriots.
The remainder of the casing was found later in the possession of a goblin horde (see accompanying article). All of the pieces were retrieved, so now the final battle could begin.
In order to lure the darklings from the surface back into Zhaduk, the people of Ashbury needed to retrieve the Darkling Mind Nexus from within S'set's mind. To do that they had to kill S'set. Barak recommended taking the best fighters and healers from the town and preparing with many Light spells and Awakens as well as any other things they could think of to fight S'set. He told the town that he could prevent the other darklings from attacking, which would let them fight S'set alone. Down into Zhaduk he journeyed with the Duke, Sir Konrad, Sir Angus wielding the Phasing Rod, Squire Ivan wielding the Lumenaxe, Sir Kirath, Algar, Kiegan who was immune to S'set's fear, and Ta'wane. In the Great Hall of Zhaduk they fought S'set.
S'Set was a huge creature each arm striking separately with huge claws, the head spitting forth necromancy and death spells as well as radiating fear that was palpable to all. The group fought bravely as the battle raged back and forth. The heroes from Ashbury persevered and won, but most of them were depleted of spells and fighting ability. It took them seven Life spells to survive and win the battle. They killed S'set and took his head -- which lived on past the body and kept speaking to them of their oncoming doom and the wedge that he had built.
When the group returned to the surface, it was obvious that S'set still controlled his horde as larger darkling now wandered the area trying to kill the people of Ashbury.
Soon after they returned, they sent a group into the mind of S'set. Barak explained that it would require mindwalkers which was his term for those with the abilities of stone elves and biata. Sethric Nordenn and Draeth were each able to take one person into S'set's mind with them, and so they took Sir Kirath and Sir Darius. They fought darklings within S'set's mind until they had done enough damage to end his life. At the end, all that was left was a pulsing brain.
The next morning while the sun weakened the darklings, Barak gathered Ashbury's forces and the parts of the flux. They assembled the flux and Barak took the Mind Nexus into Zhaduk, planning to be sealed in the city again should any in the future reopen the gates. However, when the townsfolk tried to start the flux it didn't work!
Barak soon emerged from the gates asking what happened. When they told him he muttered that that must have been what S'set meant by the wedge -- something to prevent the gates closing.
He gathered the town's forces and took them all into the depths of Zhaduk. They fought their way through many darklings and Shakleford, who had been turned into a death scholar by the darklings. Finally they found the wedge. Sir Konrad grabbed it and made a mad dash for the city above, narrowly escaping from the darklings pursuing him. The darklings pressed the town, but the Ashbans managed to retreat through the gate with minimal loss. The few people left behind were soon thrown out of the gate by the darklings who wanted no humans in their city.
Barak again took the nexus in to Zhaduk and this time when the flux was activated the gate sank into the ground and the flux disappeared.
All seems quiet in Ashbury now, but scattered reports indicate that some darklings may still be on the surface, appearing only under the safe cover of night.
In a questionable display of Baronial authority, ex-Baron Eridan Talaraine ordered the spirit link destroyed on the glamoured weapon of his former squire, Sir Algar Winterwind, an action which ultimately led to further major changes within the Ash Forest.
After requesting Algar's presence within the Baronial Manor to negotiate with Viscountess Laurelin Goldsong and the Baron Eridan Talaraine on Friday, May 24, nefarious events occurred. They spoke a great deal, making poor progress in discussing the issue, when Baron Talaraine requested that Algar accept the spells of Viscountess Laurelin. Despite his attempt to explain that he was under orders of Her Grace Duchess Mara to accept no spells or rituals on himself in regards to dealing with the sword until after the upcoming Pansolore attack, Sir Algar was silenced and webbed by the Viscountess and then quickly incapacitated by Baron Eridan.
Having borrowed the Destroy Magic scroll from Midnight Guildhall, the Viscountess summarily destroyed the spirit link and then left for parts unknown with the sword.
Algar was released from the Manor House, and reported the incident to Sir Konrad Valinor. After informing Duke Bryan of the situation, Baron Eridan was ordered to appear before His Grace to explain his actions.
The Duke expressed his displeasure with the method and the timing of Baron Eridan's actions, indicating that taking a spirit linked weapon away from the proficient Sir Algar before the onslaught of Pansolore was paramount to treason. While the Baron was not immediately removed for his actions, it was clear that there would be no leniency. Based on Algar's efforts in the past and his competence as an adventurer, there was little doubt that Algar would have wielded his sword for the good of the Duchy.
Eridan and Laurelin were later stripped of all noble titles by the Duke, Duchess, and Sir Konrad. Eridan had been Baron less than a month, having been appointed to the position after the abrupt resignation of Baroness Laurelin who also left a bit dishonorably.
The Duchess stated many times that Eridan's removal was not based on the contention over the sword, but on the nefariousness of the act and the distinct intention of the leaders of the Ash Forest to avoid any form of arbitration or fairness in regards to the service rendered by their former squire.
It is not known if Eridan's actions were influenced by oaths to his former liege lord Laurelin, who clearly harbored tremendous resentment of Algar -- going so far as to instigate the entire issue by pressing for Algar's removal as a squire despite tremendous progression towards knighthood in the eyes of the paladins.
"I stand by my belief that the magic sword which Algar was wielding was Baronial property and therefore I was within my rights to relcaim it," stated Eridan after his removal. "However, the actions I took in doing so were inappropriate and unacceptable for anyone, especially a noble of this Duchy. Their Graces' decision to remove my Barony and title was correct and I bear them no ill will for doing so. I hope that some day, I can regain the trust which they had placed in me."
The depth behind this incident seems to be far more intricate, but all nobles are keeping quiet upon the matter in respect for all parties concerned.
Long time friend and associate Mason Sharebrook strode into town with the disputed weapon a day after the incident, and immediately turned it over to Eridan. As he was ordered to by the Duchess, he placed it in her hand for arbitration.
In an effort to foster healing, the Ducal Household has set Jaret to continue negotiations with Algar to accommodate both groups and settle the issue of a simple magic sword once and for all. Eridan will soon stand before the Lord Magistrate for his actions, and Laurelin is rumored to have committed suicide to permanent death -- assumedly to expunge the dishonor of her actions and role in the villainous incident on her spirit.
Konrad Valinor has been granted the title of Baron of the Ash Forest, and is expected to be ratified by the Amani Council, to whom he served many years as liaison to King Joseph. Although Baron Konrad has some vocal opponents, it is clear that he is valued beyond these naysayers by the Duke and the Duchess for his flawless loyalty and his fighting prowess.
Dame Kittery and newly knighted Algar have chosen to remain by his side in his new duties for the Duchy. Although Baron Konrad extended his hand and offered positions to the former members of Eridan's court, the wounds are far too fresh and it may take many seasons for the two teams to heal enough to consider a merging of philosophies, friendship, and honor.
The members of the former Baronial Court intends to continue their service to the Duchy and several have been granted service by the Duchess herself through squireships.
The Duchess stated that she wished to make it clear that the dishonor of Eridan and Laurelin would not extend to the membership of their former court. Their exemplary service under considerably difficult conditions and oaths makes them excellent candidates for knighthood in the future.
Lord Zachary Blaine of the Ash Forest has been raised to the peerage, in part for his success in negotiating between the rival elven races that inhabit the forest. He has developed a dialog that may nurture a long term peace between these two races and for the first time in history unite the denizens of the Ash Forest. It is expected that the Duchy will take steps to allow the agreement worked out to be enacted despite the disruptions of the Court.
It is also rumored that Sir Aloryn may have resigned his title. He has been seen wearing the uniform of the Royal Army rather than his tabard as a Ducal Knight, and he has not been traveling with the Ducal Court.
It is rumored and now likely that the Duke and Duchess will turn their eyes to an in-depth look at Ivan Drake, who may possess the innate skills to not only be raised to the peerage but begin to fill the ranks of a new generations of Paladins within the Duchy. It is clear that the paladins will need dauntless and pure candidates, and considering the actions of Ivan Drake in the destruction of the Patriarch of the DeMedici Vampires he is an excellent applicant. The question is whether his patience or that of his liege Baron Thomas Grey will run out before the sword touches his shoulder?
Over a year ago, the Ducal Fiefs and bordering estates in Trellheim had been plagued by a clan of vampires known as "the DeMedicis." This fiendish family preyed upon newborn and infant children, stealing them from rural farmhouses and orphanages.
In a valiant effort to destroy these ghouls, the town laid siege the vampires' lair -- a manor house in Oldtown. Unfortunately, three townspeople who had managed to penetrate the manor's defenses by posing as vampires with invitations to the DeMedici feast were found out by the undead inside. While trapped inside the manor house, the three infiltrators -- Squire Ivan Drake, Ta'waneÆ the gypsy, and Hawkwing -- were given a curse which turned them into half-vampires.
While the curse did not turn them into undead, it did force them to drink the blood of the living every day.
Such a horrid curse would drive most mad, but for a year the three victims endured the hardship, often to the amusement of an unseen ally of the DeMedicis named Ulvolose. This mysterious spy apparently attacked the Havenwood orphanage knowing that Ivan had strong connections and feelings to the establishment and killed most of the children inside. Ulvolose though kept one or two captive. He (or she) threatened the life of one child hostage named Timmy, forcing poor Ivan to make a public display of his craving for blood by drinking the life fluid of his friend Jonah Purus at a feast held in March. Timmy has still not been released or returned.
The half-vampires felt the pangs of discrimination as well. Many commoners and nobles did not trust them, believing them to be as dangerous as their undead counterparts. It was rumored that Ivan and Hawkwing would not be knighted so long as the vampire curse remained within them. Hawkwing resigned his squireship over this debate.
In March, a DeMedici by the name of Ramses tried to enlist Hawkwing and Ivan to "the family" as full fledgling vampires. They refused him. Before leaving the town, Ramses warned them that the matter would not end there. True to his word, the DeMedicis returned in full force two months later.
During the Pansolore war council Saturday evening May 25, Ivan, Ta'wane, and Hawkwing met with a Hobling named Rulaine Hammit, who informed them of some unusual activity with the DeMedicis. Apparently, they had left a "feeding ground" abruptly for no apparent reason.
Rulaine warned them that this only happens when they try to recall their "initiates" (the half- vampires). Rulaine and the Confederacy of the Cup, a group of the DeMedicis' half-vampires on the run, were warning other half-vampires all around the kingdom of the possibility of a DeMedici visit.
As the war council ended, a large mass of undead appeared on the other side of town, and the tavern cleared quickly to destroy them, but Hawkwing and Rulaine, who stayed behind, discovered that there were DeMedicis in the tavern waiting for this opportunity. A tall, fair-haired vampire felled the Hobling, chuckling to Hawkwing that was a warning to the meddling Confederacy to butt out of DeMedici business. The vampires, three in total, told Hawkwing that their patriarch, Anwar DeMedici, would be contacting them soon. The spellcaster with them then used necromancy to fell Hawkwing, apparently knowing that Hawkwing would be cured and would remember the threat.
As the bloodsucking undead left the tavern and walked away, a Life spell was cast upon Rulaine. He and Hawkwing went to Ivan and Ta'wanÆ to inform them that the vampire family was near Ashbury. Rulaine believed that the undead horde the town fought was not from Pansolore's forces, but a decoy so that the DeMedicis could make their presence known to their initiates. Ivan sought council with Sir Darius, who claims to be a professional vampire slayer, to plan their strategy to destroy the vampires.
After a painstaking 24 hour wait, the DeMedicis finally made their intentions clear. Three charnals approached the back of the tavern the next evening with messages to the initiates. Lord Aloryn Runeweaver dispatched the foul creatures with the mighty Rod of Seven Rifts. Killian Drake took the letters and rushed to find his cousin. The letters invited the initiates to Brennon's Keep in Safehaven so they could be turned into full vampires.
The town prepared for battle over the loud objections of Ta'waneÆ who warned that a full frontal assault would have the same results as last year, where the babies were killed, the adventurers were cursed, and many died in the attempt. Sir Darius, ignoring her please and citing the Code of Chivalry, rallied the adventurers of Ashbury and led the charge to the foul lair of vampires.
Ivan and Ta'waneÆ eventually joined the vampire staking party on route to the keep. Just as history always seems to repeat itself, the town once again faced a horde of undead outside a warded keep with taunting vampires on the inside, just as they had a year ago. As the town plowed through the undead minions, the vampires inside once once again escaped by dropping the ward and transforming into gaseous forms. The town had lost again.
The gaseous vampires fled out a back entrance, as Jonah Purus, Hugo McEwan, and Narc McEwan hiding in the back woods of the keep trailed the vampires back to Ashbury town where the vampires reformed and faced a town void of its strongest warriors! Unfortunately, these three clever trackers could do nothing with their advantage, as none had the magic weapons that could affect the vampires.
The vampires captured Kylara Neumacht on their way to the tavern. The taverning townspeople thought that they could bluff Anwar DeMedici that the tavern was Warded, but he saw through the ruse, and dispelled the Wizard Lock. He attempted to capture Robert Oakwood with a vampire charm, but brave taverngoers came to his rescue, Awakened him, and hid him in the back of the bar.
The vampires then captured Smith the Smith and a couple other townspeople and piled their drained bodies outside. As hidden undead forces came to Anwar's beckoning, the town returned from Safehaven. Wary of what could happen in this hostage situation, they kept back a fair distance as the patriarch made his demands.
Anwar tried to lure his initiates out of the crowd, and taunted Ivan, Hawkwing and Ta'wanÆ that unless they presented themselves, he would kill the hostages. None would step forward. True to his word, he had the undead rip apart Smith's body, killing him instantly. There was still no response from the crowd, so Kylara was next given the same treatment. Finally, the town could sit back idle no longer. They charged forward.
Perhaps it was only the pent-up frustration of losing to the might of Pansolore from the previous night, but the town heroically pressed the battle with great dedication as they destroyed the lesser undead and captured Anwar with an Imprison spell. Several gaseous forms began swirling around the now inert Anwar, but Sir Konrad grabbed the vampire before he could be released by his kin.
Surging into the Ward of the Ducal Manor House, Sir Konrad put the patriarch behind a Circle of Power to ensure that he stay put. Anwar was placed belly down and a barrage of magic weapons felled him as soon as the Imprison was dropped.
Taking a stake of woe that was on the patriarch's person, Squire Ivan personally delivered the killing blow. A stake of woe is one of the only things that can permanently kill a vampire.
Instantaneously, a ceremonial cup in Anwar's hand disintegrated with Anwar's body and the curse lifted from all of the half-vampires.
Meanwhile, the other gaseous vampires had fled the field to parts unknown, but one foolish one was captured by Wizard Hendrick in a Circle of Power. Knowing that the Circle would last but an hour, the Circle was surrounded by four Walls of Force arranged in a square and then three more arranged in a triangle beyond that. Members of the Shield of Vendamor then surrounded the Circle, determined to wait until daylight to see the vampire destroyed by the sun, or ready to attack if the vampire solidified and dispelled his confinements. After almost three hours of patiently waiting, the vampire suddenly solidified and committed suicide. Sir Darius knew that the vampire was attempting to turn into a spirit and return back to its coffin to reform so he yelled for the Stake of Woe -- but was too late. The vampire, which happened to be the same one that felled Hawkwing in the tavern the previous night, "died" and thus escaped, but was at least hurt in the process.
A celebration in the Dragon's Flagon was held later that night by the former half-vampires and for the first time in a year, the three did not have to drink anything but alcohol.
A group of adventurers who now comprise the new Ash Forest court were the winners in the third annual Commoner's Tournament, beating their closest rival by 5 points.
The team, called "The White Eagles of Elindil, " consisted of Squires Taviner and Lupiticus, Warlock Marius, Algar, Roland, and Azura, scored first place in five of the nine events, thus achieving their victory.
In second place was a thrown together team led by Ta'waneÆ Varados which called itself "Team Eclectic." Besides the colorful gypsy, this team consisted of Mason, Deven, Rasq, Raven, and Findrago. They managed to win both the combat portion of the Tournament as well as the Riddles competition.
A team primarily composed of those associated with Blythedale came in third, led by Kiergani Jonah Purus. This team, called "The Dale's Folk," also counted among its members Commander Hawkwing, Smith, Brighthawk, Gwindor, and Emerald. They placed first in both Archery and Entertainment.
In fourth place was "Pride and Glory," led by Derek Dreamweaver with his friends Grandin, Marr, Drak, Alexander, and Jaden. Fifth was held by the McEwans (Dugal, Hugo, Ian, Kiegan, Narc,and Owen), and in sixth was a team called "Draor Guman," led by Siobhan McElwain and her family members Grimly and Rowan along with Siege and Alexandra.
The turnout and the enthusiasm brought by the contestants was exciting for the onlookers and gamblers, and the Duchess was mightily impressed and was overheard to whisper that she wished the nobles would put as much effort into the event.
There were a few controversies concerning the event. Although an early announcement made the mistake of stating that squires could participate, the later and correct notice in last month's Ashbury Times made it clear that this was against the rules. However, because a team had already prepared using the information from the first source, this rule was suspended for this year's Tournament only. It is unclear as to what effect this may have had on the results, but it is worth noting that the only team that had squires was the winning team.
Later, another controversy occurred when that same team and one other literally "cut corners" during the relay race. A loud argument ensued in which the winning teams argued that the two should be disqualified while the losing teams argued for the race to be rerun. The Duke listened to all sides and made a decision that to rerun the race would be the most fair, but of course, the results were much different on the second run and much grumbling was heard in the aftermath.
The Entertainment portion of the Tournament was once again the highlight and was superbly hosted by Blythedale's jester Killian Drake, who told many jokes and sang a wonderful song he had written about the Duke ("Remember," he kept reiterating, "Comedy, not Mockery."). The Dale's Folk's skit about a poor farmer who moves to Ashbury and becomes a great hero was the hit of the night, but more than one was heard to say it was especially a hit because Jonah took his shirt off. Pride and Glory did an entertaining skit in which Marr grabbed people from the audience and made them act out the embarrassing roles -- fortunately, he picked people with good senses of humor, such as Dax and Robert Oakwood. The McEwans told a story from their family history which ended as a riddle given the audience.
The Hunt once again consumed a large portion of the event, and many of the puzzled items remained unsolved by the end. Among some of the items teams had to find were "A Live Duck" (Killian or Ivan Drake would do); "A Blue Funk" (which was a special drink known only by one specific bartender -- actually an actor from the Bardic College hired to help in the Hunt -- who wouldn't make the drink unless taught the recipe for a new drink he didn't know); "A Misspelled Word in the Ashbury Times" (we are not amused); and "The Duck's Leash" (the Duke's wedding band).
Only one group -- The White Eagles -- was able to figure out "The Ranking of the Estates" which was a logic puzzle that could be discerned by listening to rumors overheard in the tavern. (The Duchess often hires actors to whisper clues in the tavern before a Hunt.) This gave them twice as many points as would normally be awarded according to the Duchess' new rating system for the Hunt items.
A word search puzzle distributed had many frustrated as no one could figure out which names to look for. Obviously the Hunt item "The Missing Names" had something to do with this puzzle, and although many names from Ashbury's history were discovered in the puzzle, no one realized that the list could be found by using the italicized names in Dartinarius Brin's famous essay "A History of the Duchy of Ashbury."
Jonah Purus did discover that hidden behind the names in the unused letters were the lyrics to "The Song of the Wind" but he was not able to complete the puzzle to get all of the lyrics before the Hunt was over.
Another highlight of the Tournament is the end of the Hunt in which the "superlatives" are judged. Marr's team won for the "Best Pickup Line for the Duke or Duchess" when he idled up to Her Grace and say "Hey, Duchess! You like Marr's new club?" Sieghart doing a somersault and then using his rolling pin on himself won for "The Biggest Roll" for Team Eclectic, and Emerald's lovely Song of the Wind won for "Best Wrong Answer."
In the "Best Top Ten" category for the superlatives, Jonah's recitation of the "Top Ten Reasons Why Lord Morgan is On the Run" won first place with entries like "Heard there was an unsearched corpse on the edge of town," "Was told that the punishment for treason was having to share a drink with Modi -- alone," "Pansolore said to him 'This town ain't big enough for the both of us," and "Is really hunting to kill Truxton so that he can be Public Enemy Number One."
In second place for the Top Ten was Team Eclectic, whose "Top Ten Reasons to Retreat from a Battle" included "All the nobles are pale and shambling towards you," "Trellheim has left without even looking for stuff," and "The squirrels have stolen all your aura."
Third place went to Pride and Glory who listed the Top Ten Quotes from the Tournament gathering, including "Robert Oakwood: Flex and pose!," "We're going into battle -- someone Pin Narc," and "They've got a gaseous vampire in a Circle of Power? Tell them to bring it here."
Fourth place went to The White Eagles for the Top Ten Reasons Why it's Good to Have Two Mystic Wood Elves on Your Team, including "There's always a place to hang your cloak" and "Double your pleasure, double your fun."
The Combat sections of the Tournament also proved to be exciting, especially when the McElwains and the McEwans decided they's rather not use padded weapons for their match. The McEwans also deserve recognition for managing to work the answer "sheep" into every one of their Riddle guesses. 'Guess we'd better add a riddle that actually has the answer 'sheep' for next year," Quentin was overheard to say.
The Commoner Hero for 596 was announced to be (now Sir) Algar Winterwind, who bested his rivals to win every match in the Hero's Battle. Mason of Team Eclectic had an extra handicap, having to fight with a spirit linked staff attached to his back. Not surprisingly, the elf Gwindor Strongbow won the Archery handedly for the Dale's Folk, but was unable to even win one match in the Hero's Battle.
The Noble's Tournament will be held in September.
The original Knights of Valor were noble spirits of the three races of elf, dwarf, and troll. With the gates of Zhaduk opened, the spirits of these Knights were freed and they began testing the people of Ashbury to find those they considered worthy to be inducted into the order, with the hope to reestablish it.
A dwarven and a trollish knight were seen wandering through the town on the first night of the darkling attacks, knocking on doors and inviting people to take their tests. Many did not answer, some refused to accept, and others were apparently out searching for darklings.
Three groups of eight eventually took up the challenge. Among them were Duchess Mara, Squire Ivan, Squire Wilhelm, Lord Magistrate Naerfin, Lord Aloryn, Alexander, Brinn, Corbin, Derek Dreamweaver, Drakonis, Emerald the gypsy, Findrago, Gilford, Grandin, Gwindor, Hawkwing, Jonah, Kylara, Marr, Mason, Natasha, Smith, Tara, and Ta'wanÆ.
Each person was put through a specific test for each of the "eight virtues" that the Knights feel embody Valor. The leader of each team was required to choose one person for each test but was not allowed to tell the person what the virtues were or what the test was for. After they took the tests, their memories were temporarily supressed to prevent their prematurely revealing what the tests were.
Derek, Ivan, and the Duchess served as the three leaders by their team's consent. The sucess of the team helped determine the grading of the leader, they were told. In addition, the leader's own skills to control his or her group, make snap decisions, and best use the talents at hand were also under scrutiny.
Most of those tested are still not revealing all they saw in the city, although Marr stated that he fought a dragon and Natasha said that she killed herself twice. Others reported having to choose between saving lives or using necromancy. The Duchess was heard to comment that the tests were grueling.
As the Hero's Combat was ending, the knightly troll appeared in the field. He told those gathered that the Knights of Valor had been testing the folk of Ashbury and that their testing will continue, but that they had already chosen one to enter the order. He then appointed Duchess Mara Vila Nicosa Tirane Nordenn to be the Knight Protector of the Virtue of Leadership, which caused the crowd to go wild with pride in their Duchess. He presented her with a pin and told her to refound the order -- and then disappeared.
Sir Gork of the Goblins of The Golden Skull returned to town unmolested during the Commoner's Tournament to warn of a threat to the local goblins. The Goblins of The Golden Skull are a tribe which has been growing in power in Ashbury of late. They follow the "goblin code" which is identical to the Code of Chivalry and was found carved on their golden tablets.
Sir Gork spoke to Sir Konrad, who he called his "knightly brother," and warned him of the treachery of the Smartguyz tribe. The Smartguyz had been collecting the pieces of the casing and had allied themselves with orcs and trolls to try and protect their treasure. Sir Gork had heard of the need to collect the pieces.
Gork was having the town gather its forces when the goblin/orc/troll horde attacked.
Though very few of this horde were particularly powerful, their numbers and unrelenting nature gave great trouble to the town, as there was no rest for almost a complet hour. Fighters had no time to repair armor, healers had no time to tend to the wounded, and the battle just swarmed over Gwendolyn's Field. In fact, the horde nearly escaped carrying the main piece of the casing because the townsfolk could not reach them before they got into a series of caves just outside town.
The casing was recovered by a small group who bravely ventured into the caves to retrieve it. The town was so challenged by the goblin horde that no healer who had any spells left could be found to accompany the group. Sir Konrad, Sir Angus, Deven Du'leges, Unrok, Manx, and a masked stranger from Ravenholt traveled into the caves and fought through to retrieve the casing.
During the weekend of the Commoner's Tournament, the satyr lord Shaedum returned to Ashbury once again. Shaedum is known to be the one who created the disease Hornblight which nearly wiped out the Mystic Wood Elf population last year. He came to town and talked to several people along with his pooka bear, Gruf. He was seeking Naerfin, Lupiticus, and the other Mystic Wood Elves of Ashbury.
Lupitcus and Naerfin came after him with the McEwan orcs, but he fled into the woods. After a long chase, the group found him back at the tavern ordering a drink. They assaulted the pooka while Shaedum ran off around the tavern. Gruf rifted back to faeland before they could kill him. Shaedum indicated that he only wanted to talk and that he would meet with Lupiticus and Naerfin alone in the Ampitheatre later that night. He was then attacked by the orcs and several others. After killing two, he too rifted away.
He met with the Mystic Wood Elves as he said he would but the exact conversation is unknown. It is known that he indicated his displeasure with the orcs for getting involved in a personal matter and threatened to work on creating a disease called Tuskblight next.
Lord Magistrate Naerfin sent a Letter to the Editor of this paper about Shaedum.
A group of hobling clowns came to Ashbury during the tournament just after the riddle competitions. These five clowns had in mind nothing but entertaining the populace but they were treated with disrespect from all corners of the town. Everyone they came in contact with suspected them and treated them as the enemy. When their leader asked the McEwans why they were wearing skirts, they were assaulted and their leader was killed and had to resurect. When they sought justice they were told they had no case.
When young children came to see the circus they weren't greeted with smiling happy clowns but by clowns in mourning. One clown, Shorty, was overheard saying that there won't be a circus in Ashbury, they kill clowns in Ashbury. The distressed children cried to their Duke, but no one came to the defense of simple entertainers.
First it should be reported that Squire Manx was found guilty of failure to obey a direct order from a Ducal Knight last month and was fined three gold for the offense. Ta'wane was found guilty of gypsy cursing Sudra of the Harvest Moon and was also fined three gold for her transgression.
An interesting case was brought to me by a group of clowns that were in town with the travelling circus. It seems that several of their members were assaulted, and one actually killed, by members of Clan McEwan. While this incident is most unfortunate there were reasons behind the attack that led me to rule partially in favor of the McEwans. It seems that Narc McEwan was under the effect of both paranoia and berserk solutions and was unable to control his urges to attack. Once the battle had started, and when it appeared over, the McEwans started to first aid the clowns so none of them would die. During that time, some other members of the clown troupe attacked. Unfortunately for Smiley the clown, the battle lasted too long and he bled to death. An offer was made to the circus to compensate Smiley but it was turned down.
There were several deaths of commoners in town this weekend that are suspicious at best, the most notable being of Siege the dark elf and his travelling companions. If any of you have information that could shed light on these incidents you may come to me. Any testimony you give can be kept confidential if that is your wish.
Next, I would like to clear up a misconception that some people seem to have in this town. If a crime is committed it is not necessary for the person wronged to 'press charges' for charges to be brought forward. It is the decision of the Lord Magistrate at the time that will count in matters such as these.
I have one last order of business to inform you all about and that is the use of the forget-it elixers. From this time forward anyone found guilty of murder and the subsequent use of one of these elixers after the fact to cover their tracks will be charged with the additional crimes of conspiracy and assault. The penalty for this is up to the discretion of the Magitrate at the time of judgement but can include death. I do not take these matters lightly.
Lord Magistrate Naerfen Kel-tier'lin McEwan
As many of you know the Satyr known as Shaedum has returned to our plane to plague my people again. While I have called for this man's head before, I have come to realize that it will do no good. If you are to run across this satyr be careful and do not attack him. He will not hesitate to kill you, and he has little regard for his own life while he travels our place. This is for your own safety as I believe this is a matter that will have to be settled by my people and his.
I met with Shaedum on Sunday night and have accepted an offer to meet with his lord, Firron, and try to negotiate a peace treaty between our people. Until such a treaty is in place no Mystics should fully trust any satyrs that they run across. I would also remind everyone that it is only a small faction of the satyrs that seek our destruction. They are, for the most part, a good and kind people. I do not wish to see this turned into a hunt. For now let us all just give each other a wide berth.
Lord Magistrate Naerfen Kel-tier'lin McEwan
Excuse, please, but I have a question.
Why does the citizenry of Ashbury continue to make the same errors repeatedly? I am truly getting sick to death of saying "I told you so!"
Perhaps you do not listen because I am a woman. Perhaps because I am a gypsy. Or maybe it is because I am a commoner. Personally, I think it may be because you are just idiots! Last year I said "No! Must be a stealth mission, or we cannot save the babies!" but no one listened.
Due to your actions, I have been forced to live under a hideous curse for a year and had to watch the DeMedicis feast on those we sought to save. All so certain people could obtain the dubious glory of saying they fought a fight that was unnecessary! And when I spoke up, certain people said "Why didn't you say so before?" when I clearly had been told to shut up.
This year, instead of learning from your mistakes, you once again sent a large force against the DeMedicis, leaving the town undefended, and once again people died because of it.
Please, I wish no more deaths on my conscience due to your actions! Try to learn from your mistakes, not repeat them!
Ta'wane Varados
by Sue D'Onym
Hello everyone and welcome to this month's installment of the News They Don't Want You To Know.
I'm so glad that Anwar the vampire is gone! This was accomplished primarily through the hard work (and suffering) of Squire Ivan, Ta'wane, and Hawkwing with the help of vampire hunter Sir Darius. So of course when Anwar's treasure was recovered -- a stake of woe -- it went directly to. . .Sir Konrad?! Well, needs of Stuffquest have to be filled, I suppose.
I understand that the charges of Necromancy against Kiegan and Saerth are being held up until the charges that Sir Konrad was seen "Consorting with Undead" are dealt with first. As far as I know, Ashbury is the only place with this silly law, so these sort of things never seem to come up anywhere else.
Hey did you notice that the Shield of Vendamor (whose Code of Man apparently says nothing about lying and pretending you're disbanded) was nowhere to be seen during the big battle with Pansolore? Sort of like how Trellheim was never around when Mourna attacked, eh? I also note that Manx has been traveling with the Shield a lot lately. Perhaps after Deven's embarrassing loss to the female Gaiatian, they've finally decided that we women aren't inferior creatures after all. By the way, Manx's fine for Disobeying a Ducal Order is being paid by Always-a-Lord-Never-a-Knight Hanson -- all in coppers.
Lord Magistrate Naerfin has vowed to enforce the law against gypsy curses, but was overheard stating with a grin that "it's not my fault if all the gypsies charged under this law are not guilty." His new paisley design was apparently due to a friendly gypsy, or so he says.
Speaking of gypsies, Emerald seemed to be having a good time at the Tournament. I heard that she finally got into Killian's tights. . .The gypsy party a few weeks ago at the Dragon's Flagon lasted all night long, and the morning crew arrived to find Kylarra, Brynn, Anakin, Inyanterra (who is not a cocker spaniel) and the Lord Magistrate fast asleep in a cozy pile in front of the fireplace. Ta'wane was apparently out with her new husband Mason.
Shalizar meanwhile is considering revamping the Mages' Guild to attract new members. The problem is that younger, less experienced mages see the power there and assume they have nothing to offer the guild until they're powerful, so membership in the Guild keeps dropping as experienced members leave to find their fortunes elsewhere.
Daphne meanwhile stayed true to her promise to ban Robert Oakwood from the Guild -- for at least ten minutes. Sure enough, there he was sitting in the guild during Pansolore's attack.
It pays to be buddies to Duke Bryan (ask Aloryn sometime about Sir Angus) -- you can even get away with murder! Hugo McEwan and his pals killed a clown who insulted their kilts, and even Sir Faustus came to their defense, despite the fact that the excuse they used ("I was under the effects of a paranoia gas!") is not a legal defense. When told by Quentin that they couldn't just kill people who insult them, Narc responded by saying his honor was more important than any law.
Convicted murderer Dax apparently agrees, and was overheard saying that " it's OK to break the law and the Gypsy Code of Honor because everyone else does it." He's still upset that Eric Woolcott accepted a bribe not to print his letter to Angelica (a call to arms!). At least he's brave.
But back to Aloryn. His race change to a hobling has produced such a change in his attitude -- he's so friendly now! -- that people are commenting that the race change must have flawed and broken the spirit link to the stick up his butt.
Meanwhile in Blythedale, Brighthawk was inquiring about joining the Baronial team, and denies that she became interested only after seeing Jonah with his shirt off. The Kiergani by the way seemed very unhappy about Konrad's promotion to Baron -- while others cheered and waved, they remained as solemn as stone elves!
Well, that's all for this month, so until next time, keep me informed. I can't print what's true if you don't tell me!
So until next time, remember -- If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
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.
SHALIZAR: Thank you for providing shelter during Pansalore's block party. You showed trust in one you had every right not to. This kindness shall not soon be forgotten. - Rasq Darkmoon Nafud
KINYA: Keep yourself safe, and you know where to find me if you need me.
THE DALE FOLK wish to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Killian Drake during the 596 Commoner's Tournament. We couldn't have done it without him!
I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS the lie and slander printed in the last AshburyTimes. I was not charged, tried, convicted or sentenced in regards to the Ash Forest incident. And I would also like to point out that the "evidence" used against my friends is still insubstantial. If it were not for the fact that this Sue D'Onym is hiding behind a facade of a false name, I would challenge him/her to honor combat for insulting me.
HEY JONAH! Wanna go to the Astrologer's Guild? Yay for the Dalefolk! - Emerald
FOR THE LAST of the Gendari Reindeer; hunted into extinction by the greed of mankind. May we learn from their example to treasure that which Tyrra gives us. - Eridan Kelestia Talaraine
WANTED: Primaries for Invest (Earth). Top gold paid. Contact Ta'wane Varados
A REAL HOOT: Killing a clown is never funny, but the nobles of Ashbury find this type of entertainment quite amusing. Assault and robbery are also crowd favorites, bringing grins to the Duchess, Duke, and Magistrate. Perhaps we will return with our own version of this game you wish play. . .We will see who will have the last laugh. - Five Angry Clowns
SHAME AND DISHONOR: The Shield of Vendamor has no honor, especially the yellow half-orc named Unrok. Perhaps when I return to Ashbury these cowards will be given an opportunity to redeem what little honor they may have. - Rot-Ghar of Volta
THANK YOU to Zachery Blane, Ta'wane, Tarabelle, Draith, Killian Drake, and especially Hawkwing. You will never be forgotten. When you are in need, you have only to call. - BrightHawk
AZURA: Care for a swing in my hammock? - Rasq
FREE DETECT MAGICS cast at the Ashbury Mages' Guild every hour on the half hour during Guild hours. (Listen for the bell). Hours are noon - 6 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.
NAERFIN: I apologize about the paisley. - K
VLAD: When it began to fade I pressed the rose in my spellbook. I can't find the star though, has it faded as well? - EB
D: Working on the problem. Hope for answer soon. - T
WANTED: Ritual components and scrolls; Anyone who wishes to sell them, please contact me. - Anakin
ZATARINA: The day shall come when you can look at me with eyes anew. I long to once again gaze upon your face. Please hurry home. - Salvatore
DEAR CITIZENS OF ASHBURY: Although Rowell Ka'taan may be perfect, we are not. We do make mistakes, but never intentionally misstate facts. We apologize for reporting in the last issue that Rowell was involved in the theft of the Ash Forest Manor House. P.S.: If it's printed, it's not slander, it's libel. - Eric Woolcott