The Ashbury Times

July 609

“All The News That Fits, We Print”

 


Hadley Moonstream Captured

 

With the sudden disappearance of Ambassador Roldo Rounders from the Royal Court, Icenia was looking forward to the arrival of its newest ambassador from Home. In the inimitable mercantile style that we have come to expect from the hobling kingdom, Queen Lolita Throttlebottom sent her newest ambassador, one Lord Wesley Berrybucket, to Icenia with a pile of rare goods for sale to the highest bidder for a series of auctions to the adventurers of the four Icenian duchies before settling into the sumptuous quarters put aside for him at the Royal Palace.

Alas for the best laid plans. Lord Wesley was forced to return to Home after his first stop at the settlement of Fairdale in Icenia with one of the most notorious criminals in recent memory in tow. While the adventurers were pleased at the result of the auction and later arrest, many have been left to wonder if this was the intent all along and if the Queen of Home truly intended for Lord Wesley to take up the ambassadorship at all.

Lord Wesley arrived in Fairdale on Friday evening to little fanfare, not traveling with a retinue as is normally the case with visiting nobility, and started speaking to the local adventurers about the auction to come the next night. While cordial to the hoblings who came to pay their respects he was seen to have a short whispered conversation with them and then to dismiss them.

Lord Wesley seemed to make up for this the following morning when he asked the hobling adventurers present (Gebeous, Evie and Muggins Stoutheart) to accompany him on a mission of some kind. It is not known what they were looking for, but they returned with a woman not long after who was wrapped in a cloak and whom they took care to keep away from the other people present.

Lord Wesley later summoned those parties again to search a nearby tower that was rumored to hold the spirit bottle of Hadley Moonstream. The adventurers later returned with a blue glowing skull thought to be the item in question. They enlisted the services of Guildmaster Nathan Westwind to identify the obviously magical item and Muggins entered the Circle to make sure that nothing came out of the bottle. Unfortunately something did. When the skull was identified, the circle of power was engulfed in flames as the skull exploded. Thankfully both Muggins and the Guildmaster had Elemental shields active on themselves and escaped what surely could have been great harm, especially considering that Nathan was the only one present invested in the Circle. The adventurers had commented that the bottle had been obtained too easily and were proven correct.

This contrasts starkly with what happened next. The auction went well, though some expressed disappointment that there were no alchemical Death gasses for sale. The items put up for auction were of a useful, though not extraordinary nature and the auction was marred by the later rumors that the entire store of magical items had been seized from the Moonstream family vault at the bank of Home. Many speculate that this was done specifically to draw the Lord of the Shadow Ring out of hiding, and if so it worked very quickly. Barely an hour after the auction ended Fairdale was attacked by a small force of undead after which the adventurers saw Hadley Moonstream himself, as usual smirking behind a Circle of Power.

Hadley demanded the return of his stolen property, going so far as to threaten reprisals against the commoners of the area if they did not comply. Everyone present expected another cowardly retreat via Spirit Recall, but nobody was prepared for what happened next. Hadley stated that the adventurers were due for a reprisal and pulled out a bottle of liquid from his belt pouch. As he poured it out those present who had fought in Icenia’s war against Glenrake saw a familiar sight arise, as a Bone Hedge grew within the circle, filling it from top to bottom. Hadley was heard yelling from inside briefly before the hedge turned on him and engulfed him in vines and thorns.

The hedge was quickly dispatched by those present and the body of Hadley was pulled from the ash, rushed to the celestial circle for identification and then placed in a Prison spell that was then ritually extended to last one year. Lord Wesley then immediately sought out Sir Eros and demanded extradition of the necromancer to Home for trial before the House of Lords. Sir Eros agreed, likely pleased not to have to use another Obliteration ritual, and Hadley Moonstream was muscled away towards Dockside.

Before leaving, Lord Wesley was seen talking to Muggins and it is rumored that Muggins is in the process of buying Hadley Moonstream’s old position on the House of Lords.

  


Werewolf Defeated;  Werebears Seek Cure

 

Kral, the lead werewolf of the dangerous Wyldrain clan was permanently slain. When a local girl came to town looking for help, she said werewolves had attacked. Her brothers stayed behind to fend them off to allow her to run for help.

Help came too late for the brothers however, and the pack of werewolves led by Kral was met by Luigie, Perwin, Auric, Gilwing, Khadiija, Andros and Obediah. The battle was extremely difficult, as the werewolves revived several times. As several of the party lay dying, one of the members of Black Forest ran back towards town seeking help.

Several other adventurers arrived, and with the superior numbers they were able to dispatch the werewolves, including Kral. His body disapated, but later reformed, permanently dead.

There were celebrations around the fire that night, including comedy by Obediah, using Kral’s severed head as a puppet; but all was not won, as those who were infected still bear the werewolf’s curse. Apparently killing the sire is not the cure-all it was thought to be.

In a related story, two creatures recently walked into Fairdale under a flag of peace. One looked human, but the other was in the shape of a monstrous werebear. The first introduced herself as Dalegar, chieftain of the Iron Claw tribe, a nomadic group of werebears who could control their transformations. The other was Gremor, her second in command.

Dalegar explained that unlike their neighbors the Morfangs, the Iron Claw tribe hated their lycanthropy. They could control their transformations, but they could never return to civilization or see their families while they were still cursed. Generation after generation of Iron Claw werebears had searched for a cure, but to no avail. At last, word reached Dalegar that the people of Fairdale had discovered a proven cure for lycanthropy and she set out right away. The healer Rowan scribed a copy of the recipe for them, and gifted them with an Enslavement Antidote, one of the main ingredients. Andros of the Stormblades and Mattock Ironleaf described the procedure and its effects, and offered their help to the tribe. The werebears tried the cure that night, but it did nothing.

But they did not give up trying. The next day, Dalegar and the tribe’s alchemist, Halwerd, found some ancient texts in their ancestral caves, and asked The Mages’ Guild of Fairdale to provide scholars to assist in decrypting the ancient cipher.  Guildmaster Nathan Westwind and Squire Raven were able to crack the cipher and discovered that one of pages came from a long dead were-bear who had devoted his life to finding a cure.  This alchemist found that exposure to a mineral called True Jade was instrumental in preventing his transformations.  The entry went on to detail how True Jade could be found.  The other document told of a werebear named Imar, who had learned to control his transformations. It seemed to give instruction on how to reach the caves where Imar had died to recover another potential ingredient to a permanent cure and how to harvest it.  Copies of both documents have been included below:

 

Journal Entry

12th day of the Fireant, 474

My research into a cure is going poorly.  How the bear-mind clouds my thoughts!  It does not want to give up its hold but I have found a manual that seems promising.  It is called True Jade and it is found near certain natural springs.  It is difficult to find but easy to collect.  It sings to our kind.  It is otherwise worthless as far as I can tell.

 

Unknown Writing

The might of the bear is both our blessing and our curse.  The beast heart would have consumed us, but Imar the wise learned to control it.  Still creatures of the wild, but tamed. Werebears from across the land came to the caves of Bardor to learn from Imar.  He lived a long life and died peacefully in the cave.  Where his body fell golden thistle grew which blooms only at high noon and which only the skilled can harvest.

 

Mattock and the adventurer known as Heresy went deep into Runwin Wood with the werebears to search for the True Jade. Alas, they found nothing. It was not until later that night that Dalegar heard the song of the True Jade and enlisted the help of some adventurers to obtain it. Qualin Brightoak, Aislynn Ravenshire, Sunn, and Heresey had to negotiate with a particularly belligerent farmer to get the mineral. While there, they met a party of mercenaries who had apparently been hired to kill the farmer and anyone on his property. Who gave them this mission and why is still unclear.

After midnight, a spirit appeared in the Earth Circle. It was shortly followed by a distraught Dalegar. The tent of Halwerd the alchemist had burned to ashes, with Halwerd inside it. Luckily, the materials for the cure had been secretly moved to the chieftain’s tent earlier that night. But Dalegar inquired after her friend’s spirit at the Healer’s Guild, Guildmistress Zatarina refused to resurrect Halwerd because he was a “monster race.” Dalegar pleaded with her, but Zatarina stood her ground. Eventually, some of the adventurers who had been bitten by werewolves earlier and the local nobility spoke to the Guildmistress and cleared the matter up. The confusion was taken care of, and Man-at-Arms Sophia Dawn resurrected Halwerd successfully.

At noon the next day, Dalegar led a group of adventurers to the Cave of Bardor, a sacred place that no werebear would enter. Evie, Muggins, and several others did, however, to find golden thistle. When they entered the cavern, they found that the golden thistle had been destroyed. Luckily, there was a patch growing in the back of the cave which the destroyer had missed. Evie found it with alacrity and harvested the herb. They cleverly escaped the trolls that lived in the cave, and delivered the thistle to a grateful Dalegar.

 


Belaris Reappears in Town

 

A creature once thought to be only a legend among the bugbears has been making its presence known in Fairdale once again, and seems to be gaining in power. When it recently appeared, both adults and children half their bodies turned to slime, were at its command, and able to appear from puddles of bubbling goo that it was able to summon. Though the adventurers attempted to take samples of this goo to study it, they were unsuccessful.

On a more positive note, the number of disappearing children has been decreasing, thanks to efforts from Greyesmere to safeguard the children of the local orphanages. It is believed that these slime-children are the ones who disappear into the woods, never to be seen.


A Strange Development with Oozes

 

by Aislynn Ravenshire

Fairdale has recently found itself infested with large blooping creatures of various sizes and colors. This is not unusual, as oozes have often been seen around the Ashbury countryside; one recent attack however came with an exception. A rather large, nasty black ooze opened up part of itself, and words actually sprung from where the opening had come. “Attack the flesh ones” was what was believed to be said.

The oozes then ran rampant, some of them cutting adventurers down into needing a Life spell with one blow. Others spat some sort of goop that made adventurers unable to tell friend from foe thinking everyone was out to get them. Jarrin was seen often throwing himself in front of the brown ooze, which seemed to intoxicate individuals with its touch. The oozes were routed, and soon dispatched by the whole town.

While adventurers are unsure of how the black ooze spoke, it is likely that this is far from the last we have seen of the oozes. Some speculate that these are the children that are being taken into the woods. While no major evidence has proven this be connected to the talking ooze, another fight that occurred later convinced this healer, as well as most of the town. In this fight, there were children who looked to be half slime, and half human child a trait that many villagers are sure to find horrifying. A recommendation is to keep your children under close eye, and do not let them wander off.


Young Adventurers Battle the Returned Goblin King

 

During the recent meeting of the young adventurers, in the town of Riverstone, a very dizzy bird delivered a message from the Goblin King. According to the note the Goblin King had escaped from prison and was looking for revenge upon the adventurers. Only this time his minions were stronger and smarter: the Grey Goblins.

During the initial onslaught of battle, however, it became apparent that the young adventurers had been fooled! The Grey Goblin’s first attack was a diversion for the Goblin King’s actual escape. His method? He disguised himself as the cleaning lady and waltzed out while all persons thought him to already have escaped. The adventurers gave chase after realizing what happened, but the Goblin King eluded them.

Encoded messages were found on defeated Goblins, depicting orders to acquire various items for the Goblin King’s “Secret Magics”. While unsure what the aims of these items were, the adventurers decided to gather them in hopes that they would discover their use. With speed and agility they assisted Nitter Nutter the squirrel in gathering the great Ironwood Acorns. Mages were of valuable use against the Grey Goblin’s pet Spiders, and in acquiring elemental components from the bugs that had taken over Hipper Hopper’s underground home. Steady hands and intuition enabled one young adventurer, Iris, to dismantle parallel sets of traps in order to speak to the paranoid witch behind the magical curtain.

The adventurers discovered that the items they were gathering were components to be used in the creation of powerful talismans. Every adventurer constructed their own unique talisman with a special Ogre-made piece, suited to their personal use. Young Winter was even so fortunate as to have his recent lost tooth become his talisman’s focal item by way of the Ogre, Day Z.

In the final battle versus the Goblin King, it was found that his talisman was too powerful for the individual attacks of the young adventurers. Joining together their Talisman’s by way of a Focus Rope gifted them by Witch Hazel, the adventurers’ combined power overloaded the Goblin King’s Talisman. The backlash put the Goblin King into a sleep that the adventurers were unable to wake him from.

The town of Riverstone is indebted to the young adventurers Sneaky, Thane Drake, Tabitha Drake, Darkeye, Iris, Rain, Nathamiel Vorgik, Jackson, Winter Raven, Tamarra, Twinkle, Hanacar, Sadina of the Ash Forest, Maxine of the Ash Forest, Wilth of the Ash Forest, and young Squire’s apprentice Al. Without them, the Goblin King would have held sway over the town.

A special note of thanks to the bravery of Nathamiel and Squire’s apprentice Al. During the evening the town was visited by an individual of questionable intent. With the guidance of Squire Raven and Ashrik, the two young adventurers followed the visitor out of town at his request. The individual turned out to be a Necromancer and reportedly created a number of undead to kill the two young heros. Nathaniel and Squire’s apprentice Al vanquished the Necromancer and his creations, removing the threat from the area. Riverstone thanks you for your courage.

 


Continued Changes in Magic

 

By Wizard Nathan Westwind

Guildmaster, Fairdale Mages’ Guild

Magic is forever changing.  Spells are discovered and lost without warning or explanation.  The only constant is that it will change again.  As I have been discussing some of recent changes in Celestial Magic in previous editions of the Times, I shall continue to do so now with some commentary on the changes in Celestial Spells we have experienced this year.  Besides the loss of Formal Magics we all experienced in the beginning of the year, many mages also noticed the loss of the spells Detect Magic and Dominate from their spell books.  Whole stockpiles of Elemental Blade and Magic Blade Scrolls were found to have turned to dust or worthless paper as the magic had left them.  And celestial mages only capable of casting from the third circle began Lesser Investing with no trouble at all.  

These changes had many Mages excited about the possibility that new Celestial spells would emerge as had oft happened during other sweeping changes in magic in the past. 

 

Discovering Banish, Fortress, and Subjugate 

 

During a visit to Fairdale, Royal Guildmistriss Lizarra Trynn discovered a portal similar to that of a planar gate opened nearby and called on the Mages’ Guild to investigate it. 

Myself, Guildsman Symerille, Apprentice Alushtas, Tetsu, Muggins, and Sophia Dawn ventured to the portal and after some consideration, entered it to see where it led.  We found ourselves in an Ethereal Hall not unlike that of the Elemental Forge Symerille and I had been to where we received our Elemental Wardenship.  Unfortunately upon entering the hall, the portal behind us closed, sealing our way home. 

In the hall, we found three boxes surrounded by colored energy fields and a stone Golem blocking the doorway to another chamber.  We tried speaking to, commanding, and moving the golem to no avail.  With no way back, and our only way forward blocked by the golem, we turned our attention to the boxes, and after some speculation and failed attempts, we found that Elemental magic from our newly crafted Wands allowed us to remove the energy fields.  This could not have been archived quickly or at all if it were not for Symerille’s incredible knowledge of the Celestial arts and subsequent high amounts of elemental wand damage as well as Muggins’ foresight in being the only Celestial Caster we knew who carried an Ice Wand (a practice I now follow regularly) without which we would not have been able to open all of the boxes and retrieve their contents.  Inside the boxes lay various treasures prized by those of the Celestial persuasion as well as a pendant with a star on it which curiously matched an emblem upon the chest of the Golem blocking our path.  Symerille placed the amulet onto the chest of the Golem and was now able to command it. 

With the Golem aside a new chamber opened up before us with strange symbols carved into the ground leading to yet another chamber which appeared to be blocked by a shimmering wall of Celestial Energy.  Attempts to dispel the wall were unsuccessful, and a misstep by a few of us in the group taught us that the symbols on the ground (which seemed to represent the four elements and a fifth unknown symbol) would summon elementals of the opposite type to the chamber who were, understandably, not happy to be there and did not attempt to communicate with us as they attacked.  We tried stepping on all of the elemental tiles at once in hopes to deactivate them, but all that did was summon four elementals to fight us in close quarters… quarters that whenever we misstepped while fighting, would summon more of the elementals. 

Finally, we beat back our experimentally summoned “friends” and turned our attention to the fifth symbol.   One of the group stepped on the symbol to see what would happen.  All of us lost our spell shields.  We quickly recast them, and the group decided to see what would happen to the Elementals if we stepped on the swirling symbol while fighting it.  So, we summoned one of them, and Symerille stepped upon the swirling symbol.  With a crackle of energy, the elemental was gone.  The seasoned Wizards among us had seen this sort of Magic before in the form of a Banish Ritual.  Excitedly, we summoned all four of the elementals back into the chamber and again Symerille stepped upon the swirling symbol.  Sure enough, all four were banished back to their home planes.  Not only that, but the Celestial Wall was down, revealing an ancient book inside, and the Portal home had returned in the other chamber.  Inside the book, we found not only this new banish spell but two other Celestial Spells I had never heard of before:  Fortress and Subjugate. 

We took the book, our treasures, and our Golem back into the chamber we entered and returned home through the portal.  Alas, our Golem could not follow us, and the portal closed itself after we had come through.

Further study of the Banish spell reveals that it can be used on Elementals, Fae, any creature from another plane (even yourself if you are trapped on a plane that is not your home).  And that if the creature is powerful enough to resist your banishment, it can still do great harm to it.

Study of the Fortress spell has allowed us to determine that it works similar to the Earth Spell Sanctuary in concept, but instead protects the caster from an amount of physical harm by all creatures.

Study of the Subjugate spell has been limited because of its nature, but it seems to allow the caster to “Dominate” a Construct regardless of if there is a spirit inside or not. 

 

Re-Discovering Charm

 

Mages who have been adventuring for some time may recall that we once could cast a spell called Charm, which, as its name indicated, allowed the caster to Charm an individual into believing they were the caster’s best friend, allowing the caster to alter the will of the Charmed to some end.  This spell was lost to us during another change in magic years ago, but was recently seen again being used by Dominion forces against us in the final days of the war.  Initiate I’Zer and I even attempted to locate one of the dominion Spell books in Starkenstein but were forced to abandon our quest in order to return in time to make it back to Fairdale with the rest of the town. 

However, at the last gathering during the hobling auction, a group of Karid arrived in Fairdale who wished to learn anything and everything to make them more powerful.  As knowledge is power, and hoping to influence the Karid in a positive manner, I decided to teach them to Read and Write.  The Karid learn very quickly. 

In about a half a Bell, they had worked their way through much of my library including past issues of the Ashbury Times.  Notably, the Karid did stop to question me about the Code of Chivalry and seemed rather interested in it as I explained what it is and why we have it.  In return for my teaching (and the teachings of others) the Karid gifted me with an old Celestial Spell book which had in it a working copy of the Charm spell. 

We must also assume this spell can be used by Earth Casters since it was being used by the Dominion, though the version I have is Celestial.

As always, The Fairdale Mages’ Guild can copy all of these new spells into your Celestial Spell books for the price of the Spell Ink required for each.  Discounts are available for Guild members.

 


Magistrate’s Report

 

A fairly major trial was held recently which deserves mention.  A dwarf named Maddox was accused by reliable sources of stealing from the recently departed Parduc.  I had Baron Ivan and the squires handle the matter, and after they completed their investigation, they reported to me. 

The witnesses and evidence, which included a statement from Parduc given at a Spirit Farewell, was circumstantial but credible.  Moreso in the minds of Baron Ivan and myself, Maddox’s explanations were unbelievable, and his story changed the more he was questioned.  At one point, he made an offer to “return” the stolen items, which is certainly not something an innocent person would offer to do, or at least not with the word “return.”

He was given the opportunity to have a trial, but refused, and instead insisted on offering a “no contest” plea, which is basically saying “I do not dispute that there is enough evidence to convict me” while not specifically admitting guilt.  In legal terms, it has the same consequences as a guilty finding.  Whereas theft is usually punishable by a fine, Maddox insisted on taking a death, somehow believing that this would convince others of his innocence in some way.

I would like to thank those who came forward with evidence, and would encourage all who have knowledge of crime to report the same to the Sheriff or myself.  We promise to keep sources anonymous if requested. 

Remember:  Not all of Ashbury’s enemies are monsters and people from beyond our borders;  we might fight evil without cessation even if found within.

Lord Magistrate Eros Clearbrook

 


Mages’ Guild Report

 

Guild Meetings:  As always we will be holding our Guild meetings after the Squire Meetings on Saturday mornings unless otherwise announced.  If there is no Squire’s Meeting, we’ll be holding it during that time (around 10 bells on Saturday morning).  Also, for those who attend and are wishing to join the guild, you need only pick up an application at the Guild Hall in the Black Stag Tavern, and turn it back in to me or one of the other Guild member for my consideration at your earliest convenience.  

 

Member News:  The Guild would like to welcome Initiates Gebous Marix and Aubry Darksun and wishes them luck on attaining Apprenticeship. The Guild would also like to acknowledge and thank Apprentice Eldarion whose help was instrumental in obtaining a copy of the re-immerged Charm spell for the Guild and also Apprentice Squire Raven for his assistance with a complex cipher we were working on for the Werebears.

 

Guild Commerce:  The Mages’ Guild of Fairdale buys Celestial and General Aspect Ritual Scrolls; offers Spellcrafting services and rents ritual scrolls for Spellcrafting to other Wizards.  We also buy and sell battle magic scrolls, Identify items, and offer a host of other scholarly services such as research, scribing, and more.  We also now offer Celestial and Alchemical lights for sale.  Various brightness and colors available; see the Guild for current pricing.

 

Wizard Nathan Westwind

Guildmaster, Fairdale Mage’s Guild

Elemental Warden of Icenia

 


Healers’ Guild Report

 

All members who arrive for scheduled gatherings should remember to check in with the Guild on Friday night, and to set aside Saturday morning for a breakfast discussion.  Baked goods and fruit will be provided, and donations as always are welcome!

Those Guild members who wish to be temporarily invested should see me with their components as soon as possible upon arriving in Fairdale, and definitely before study time on Saturday.

The Guild is in need of jetsam, nightshade, wand, and feyander components in order to spellcraft healers into the Circle so that we have enough ready to help with resurrections if needed.  Please help out the Guild with your donations, especially if you realize that you haven’t been compensating those healers who keep you alive on the battlefield.    

Zaterina N. Norik

 


The Wisdom of the Forest

 

New to Fairdale? Puzzled by a problem? Unsure how to handle an annoying monster? We're here to help. The Black Forest is now offering the “Wisdom of the Forest” to any adventurer or team, new or established, who is in need of advice. Send us your letters, questions, comments or suggestions, we’ll read them, pick the ones that seem most urgent and with every printing of the Ashbury Times, we’ll answer them! Anonymity is offered to those who wish it. So start sending those letters and let us help you!

Send your letters to the Black Forest Manor House!

 

As this is the start of the column we will be fielding a question from one of our very own members, Sparktet Littlebeard.  Sparky writes the following:

 

“Fellow teammates,

In my travels I have fought all manners of beasts and villains.  The “enemy” that seems to get the better of me every time is nothing more than a simple trap.  We normally have Gilwing strip down to his loincloth, make him drink a bottle of dwarven spirits, and then watch him stumble around the room until the explosions stop and the toxic gasses dissipate.

There are two problems with this strategy.  The smaller problem is that explosive traps sometimes blast Gilwing’s loincloth right off. Have you ever tried cure lighting somebody from 15 yards away with your eyes closed?  The larger problem is that we never know what, besides Gilwing’s loincloth, these explosive traps are destroying. How many coins have we lost? Enough to finally buy Gilwing indestructible undergarments?  I know the explosions do not happen when Perwin is around, though. What is the secret? 

 

Black Forest member Perwin Poppinfresh will have the honors of answering the first question of this column.  He writes:

 

Sparky,

I was trained by Xavier Kimball, the finest trap expert in the land.  I assure you, there is a much better way to handle this situation.  I say better because it is not easier or faster.  There is nothing I despise more than watching a perfectly good trap be set off by a drunk and naked dwarf.  Traps are made to be disarmed.  If you follow the three P’s—Preparedness, Perusal, Patience—you will never lose another coin or potion to a trap again.  Allow me to explain.

 

Preparedness

 

Always have the proper tools with you at all times.  The most important tool should always be your mind.  This is all you need to be successful at trap disarming, but there are a few other tools that you should always try to carry—a liquid light (extras never hurt, especially small, thin ones), lock picks, a small knife, and gloves.  There are optional items such as rope, alchemical solvents, magical scrolls, string, and many more.  The key lesson here is that you need to rely more on your mind and less on your tools.  I recommend carrying extra supplies if you are just starting to dabble in the art of traps, but advanced users should not rely on these.

 

Perusal

 

With traps you need to make sure you keep your eyes in front of your feet.  What I mean by this is make sure you never take a step forward until you know for sure that step is safe.  Cup your light in your hand so that it shines forward and not back into your face.  Always examine the area you wish to move to.  Look down, straight ahead, and up.  Traps can be hidden anywhere!  When you do encounter something you think is a trap, always investigate it before cutting any strings or disarming it.  I have seen situations where a trap was attached to another trap in a fashion that would set off the one if you tried to disarm the other.

You also need to be checking for contact poisons, especially on traps, chests, coins, and other treasure.  Too often people get excited when they think they have obtained treasure.  They will take off a glove to scoop things up, only to find themselves paralyzed—or worse—because they did not investigate properly!  Use your eyes, your mind, and protect your hands.

When you encounter a chest, always investigate its surroundings.  What is it sitting on?  Is it locked?  Are there contact poisons on it?  Be sure to very slowly open the lid.  Shine your light in the chest so that you may see what traps may be inside.  If you have a thin liquid light you can drop it directly into the chest if you think it is safe to do so.  This is a great way to illuminate what is inside.

 

Patience        

 

You may find yourself in a situation where you feel helpless or confused.  Do not fret!  Stay calm and clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts.  Take the time to think out the problem.  Try to examine the situation from a different angle if possible.  If you are absolutely stuck on a chest or a trap, move on.  If there are more traps and treasure ahead you can always work on them and come back later.  The key here is to stay calm and mindful of your surroundings.  Fear and anxiety leads to shaky hands.  This leads to accidents. 

While this is in no way a complete guide to the art of disarming traps, it is a good place to start.  The best way to learn is through experience.  The next time you find yourself in a room full of traps do what I do—tell your dwarf friend to put the bottle down and keep his pants on.  Leave the traps to the experts.

Safe travels,

Perwin Poppinfresh

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

By Sue D’Onym

Never trust the Dominion!  That’s the lesson that the nobles and squires of Ashbury learned recently when, during a squire’s meeting specifically devoted to discussing whether destroying so many Dominion members was the right thing to do, a biata arrived and asked to speak.  Baron Ivan and Sir Eros allowed her to talk and she stated that she had been under the control of the Dominion but once the homestone was destroyed, it “cleared her mind” and made her see the error of her past ways.  As she sat at the table, nods of understanding passed between those present.  Those nods were soon wiped away when the girl rose and set of a massive explosive trap she had been setting.  Fortunately, everyone was able to be healed, and it appears that a few minds may have been changed by that encounter!

It won’t affect Landiara though. He has been acting very oddly lately and has even been heard saying that the nobility killed Balls.  But Landiara and Balls are the same person, right?  Anyway, they’re both quite mad (heh!) at the nobility, claiming that they tortured Lady Zaterina and him through her.  Most of his anger has been directed at Sir Eros.

Well, that’s it.  That’s all the gossip I have because that is all I have been given. Sad, isn’t it?  But I can’t do this by myself you know.  If you want to see longer gossip columns in the future, you know what to do!  And in the meantime remember:  If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.


Public Notices

 

CELESTIAL AND ALCHEMICAL LIGHT FOR SALE :  Multiple colors and intensities available.  See Guildmaster Nathan Westwind at the Fairdale Mages’ Guild for more information and pricing!  Celestial casters:  You really need to visit the Fairdale Mages’ Guild.  We sell Spells like new, we have wanderful service, and are interested in trading secrets.  Seriously. 

 

SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED. We are looking for the following Ritual Scrolls: Race Change, 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, Race Change, 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.