The Ashbury Times
July 613
“All The News That Fits, We Print”
Cursed Artifact Explodes; Galanthian
Vampire Arrives in Corrheim
Near the end
of the month of the Ferret, a large explosion rocked the estate of Forestheart in the oft contested lands of Corrheim. Besides
damage and loss of life, the explosion caused an odd corruption to seep through
many of the inhabitants of the area, both intelligent and animal. In response to this unexpected threat, Duke Nevin Kendrick called for all able bodied members of the
adventuring class to travel to Corrheim and assist in
the recovery of the estate of Forestheart. What the adventurers discovered when they
arrived in the estate was a strange concurrence of events that are still being
sorted out weeks later.
Friday night just as the
gathering had started, a form walked out of the night
and spoke with Squire Grim of the Vanguard. After a short conversation, Grim
verbally identified the other as a Vampire and set upon him with his Earth
Blade, but strangely could not injure the creature. The vampire disappeared
around the brush.
Shortly after, the estate was
beset by animals and citizen races with purple swirls on their bodies. The swirls came from an illness caused by the
explosion. This illness caused immense
mutation of the mind, body, and spirit.
These infected were seen acting completely mad, growing claws, and
exhibiting elemental powers.
It was only when the vampire
reappeared that a connection was made between these two events. This vampire reappeared inside the
Despite his seemingly benign
intentions, the squires and adventurers refused to cooperate with an undead
creature. The only point that any of
them would agree to was to attempt to revert him to human form with a Gift of
Life ritual. Believing that such a
compromise would further his goals, Senator Lucius
offered to meet outside of town to further negotiations and to potentially
transform him back to human.
While unwilling to cooperate
with the vampire, the adventurers did seek out the shards of magical energy
released by the broken artifact that were causing sickness in the area. The artifact was a mirror that had shattered
into three large pieces and shards of magical energy that were tainting the
surrounding locale.
The first of the large pieces
of the mirror was brought into town by a dying infected ducal army scout. It was given to Squire Grim, who was
immediately infected by it. This concerned
the individuals searching for shards at first, but it was soon discovered that
the smaller shards did not always immediately infect those in possession of
them.
While brave adventurers
continued to search for and collect shards, Senator Lucius
sent a messenger proposing a time and location for him to be cleansed of his
necromantic taint.
The search for the shards
continued. The smaller pieces were found
in numerous places, including in the possession of a rather canny bandit and
being used in forges by a smith named Aldo in order to elementally infuse
weapons. But, it was the larger shards
that were important.
The second one was found to
be in the possession of a hobling named Kor Takara,
the leader of a culture that referred to itself as the Kor’Rin
Hoblings. They
were landless and eventually required a portion of Corrheim
to call their own before they would turn over the mirror shard.
The third piece was
undiscovered until Senator Lucius reappeared in the
Amaranthus berated Qualin for his actions, but it seemed the vampire had a
more decisive way of punishing Qualin for his
temerity. A wave of pantherghasts
struck the town, almost certainly sent by an agent of the angry vampire.
Despite the attack, or
possibly because of it, the adventurers were even more determined to obtain the
final large shard of the artifact. Flint
Boulderback, Qualin, and
the members of the Hunt made a daring raid into the nearby Galanthian
camp. They fought through hordes of
vampires and greater undead to eventually retrieve a cache of magical shards so
powerful that when they were brought into the presence of the artifact they
attracted all of the other shards and temporarily cured the sickness. This still left the greater problem of how to
unlock the mirror and free those trapped within.
Amaranthus had
previously found a solution to this problem, but this created a new problem.
The solution required cooperation from the vampire. Exactly what transpired from that point is
unknown, but it is clear that Amaranthus and Laguna
were privy to the potential solution.
When Lucius next took the field of battle,
while the majority of adventurers fought the undead horde, Amaranthus
and Lucius enacted a plan that caused the vampire to
pour his energies into the mirror in order to unlock it and release the trapped
people within. This action was likely to kill Lucius,
but he seemed willing to make that sacrifice to free his beloved.
At least one other, Baron Ulthoc of
Nordenn, was privy to the plan to free the remaining
people in the mirror. He believed that
this plan was for the greater good and supported it. He personally led the battle and told the
adventurers that the purpose of the battle was to destroy a vampire, leaving
out the exact details of what was meant by that. There is also reason to believe that the
vampire himself might have been at least partially aware of the plan, based on
his movements on the field of battle and the unexpectedly weak force he brought
to the battlefield.
The adventurers dominated the
battle against the weakened force and eventually Lucius completed his task of
restoring the mirror and unlocking it. Besides
releasing the trapped inhabitants of the mirror, the process entirely stripped Lucius of his vampire nature, making him a normal human
once again. Reunited with her love, both
in body and spirit, the beautiful fey rifted away, presumably to a place where
neither would be harassed again.
The battle done, but only one
problem remained. Baron Ulthoc publicly admitted his deceit and offered to let any
who felt he had done wrong to execute him on the spot. None took him up on his offer, but this is
unlikely to be the last that is heard of these actions.
Infected Giant Enslaves High Ogres
On Saturday afternoon,
another side effect of the infection showed itself. A giant, infected by the artifact, gained the
power to command High Ogres by voice.
The giant immediately enslaved a nearby tribe and brought his forces to
bear on the town of
The adventurers were careful
to free the High Ogre slaves rather than kill them. This attack proved to be only part of the
problem, though. Shortly after another
High Ogre slave arrived in town. He
revealed that he was able to escape from a nearby encampment and that the
encampment held another giant and many more enslaved brethren.
The initial infected giant
returned once more the following day, enraged that the adventurers had freed
his slaves. This time he had made a pact
with trolls and fought alongside them.
He probably should have chosen more wisely as the warriors of Corrheim, particularly the Vanguard, crushed the invading
force easily, all being experienced in fighting that particular threat.
Bear Spirit Judges the Vansir
On a recent Saturday night, Baron Ulthoc led his court, along with Amaranthus
and diverse other adventurers, into the woods.
There they found undead trying to break into a building. Quickly dispatching the undead, the heroes
discovered a large number of the smaller shards which had been infecting people
in the area strewn about the ground. They also found a spirit bearing the mark
of a Bear-paw upon his face. The spirit said it had lost memory of its name for
its name was no longer important. He was a Shaman of the Bear, and could be
best called “of the Bear.” He claimed to have been in this form
back when the Vansir of Ashbury left Tyrra and
followed them to this world.
The shaman had been seeking
something, but had become trapped in this place until they opened the
door. Appreciative for his rescue, the
shaman assisted Amaranthus in communing with the
minds of people stuck in the mirror shards in order to discover a way to unlock
the mirror. After that, he directed his
attention to the Vansir and bade them return the following day with any others
they thought worthy. He made it clear he
intended to test them and hinted at a prophecy he could not yet speak of.
Baron Ulthoc,
Squire Jovunn, Thurisaz,
Captain Flint, and the remainder of the court of Nordenn
returned the following day. Each Vansir
had to vouch for the non-Vansir in the group before the test could begin. Once this was done, the three Vansir were
struck by wave after wave of elemental energy and fear. War Chief Ulthoc,
as the spirit referred to him, and Squire Jovunn
withstood, though Thurisaz fell to elemental damage.
The next part of the test was
simple but profound. All present were
bade to speak of the importance of their clan and family. Every present spoke well and the experience
created an even stronger bond between those present. Finally, the spirit insisted on a test of
strength. First Jovunn
stepped up and the spirit matched her precisely in terms of skill with
arms. It was a close fight, but Jovunn fell to the spirit’s onslaught. Thurisaz then
fought. Again the spirit matched her
precisely in skill and weapon choice, but she managed to be victorious. Having succeeded, the spirit whispered a
prophecy to her, a secret for her to share as she chooses.
Gilded Claw Destroys Undead
Recently, a commoner ran into
town looking for The Gilded Claw. The commoner informed them undead were
attacking a nearby village and setting fires.
Aubry Darksun, Raven Nevermore, and Jinx of the Gilded Claw
mobilized quickly taking Ronka, Red and Rowen La’Tour with them.
When the group arrived, they
found one building on fire and the undead attempting to start another one. They easily and quickly dispatched the undead
and put out the fire due to the fine combat skills of those present and the
powerful prison spells of the mage Raven.
Raven went into the house
that was already on fire to look for survivors.
First he found an elven woman who had passed
put from smoke inhalation, and on the second floor he found an elven child who was hiding under a bed. Both Aubry and Rowen healed all citizens injured during the fire.
Before leaving, the Gilded
Claw spoke to many of the citizens about the Duke’s decision to make Grim
the new Lord of Forestheart and learned the citizens
where overjoyed with this decision.
The Twisted Healer
A local woman in Forestheart sought the help of adventurers recently, saying
that her brother had been taken to a local healer for help but had not been
seen since.
Not knowing what was going
on, a band of adventurers including Ruis of Nordenn, Chulainn of the
Vanguard, and Valeria the Elvin Scout went to investigate. Once there they met
Oscar, who, assuming he had new patients, welcomed them and asked if any of
them were wounded.
Oscar claimed to have been
researching new ways to apply magical energies of the earth to heal the sick
and the dead, but it became quickly apparent that he had in fact turned his
patients into undead. Bizarrely, however, he was convinced that they were okay.
Valeria eventually tired of
his casting chaos spell after chaos spell into the undead, and attempted to
incapacitate him with gasses, but the healer proved rather wiry and immediately
replaced his poison shield. The other
adventurers eventually stopped her upon realizing he posed no threat to them.
Eventually Chulainn convinced him that he was in fact
casting necromancy though he claimed still not to realize it.
The adventurers dispatched
the undead townsfolk and took Oscar to Forestheart to
try and cure him of the sickness which he was visibly afflicted. The return
trip was exciting as the adventurers were best by alligators at the river.
On the way to town it was
discovered that Oscar could be tricked into casting beneficial spells, but not
easily.
Oscar insisted that he be
brought to justice to answer for his crimes. Baron Ulthoc
however called upon Laguna to check in Oscar’s mind to verify that Oscar
thought he was casting earth, not necromancy spells, and acquitted him.
Oscar, unable to face the
family of those he had killed while infected, refused to return to his
work. The Baron sent him to Fairdale to
report to Guildmistress Zatarina
to help the town there, thus allowing Oscar to still heal, while not being
constantly faced with his past actions. Thankful, he set off for Fairdale as
instructed.
Military and Baronial Promotions
Forestheart was
location of a number of promotions during the month of the Ferret. First, on the Friday evening when most
adventurers arrived in town, Lord General Gondrik Windwalker, new leader of the ducal army, promoted Flint Boulderback from Sergeant to the newly created rank of
Captain, overseeing the forces stationed in Corrheim.
Two days later, Duke Nevin Kendrick briefly appeared in town to make his own
proclamation. Squire Grim was made the
Lord of Forestheart, though he was not knighted.
This unusual announcement was
followed by another unusual announcement.
Baroness Ezri publicly took Sornelintion’s oath of fealty and then only moments
later made him a full squire.
Healer’s Guild Report
The Guild remains open in Fairdale.
Forgive me for repeating some of this, but it is very important.
I need to meet with all biata to discuss a matter of importance. As I stated in my last Report, some unusually
creepy unusual items have been discovered;
you’ll know them if you see them. If anyone finds such items,
please see the Healer’s Guild. As far as we know they are not
necromantic, just disturbing. Do not show these around. We do not know enough
about them yet.
Guildmistress Zatarina
Norik
Mage’s Guild Report
Yes, the Fairdale Mages Guild
is still in existence.
All current members and
persons interested in joining the Fairdale Mages Guild who are planning to make
the journey to Two Towers during the month of Salamander (August). We
will be holding an informal meeting to touch base. Please see Raven Nevermore
for further information.
Simon’s Celestial Guide
by Simon of
the
Welcome to my guide to Celestial Magic. In each installment I
will be examining one of the nine circles or levels of Celestial Magic. First a
word on what this is not. This is not an attempt to tell you the proper names
of magical spells, nor the history of them. This is also not a guide to how to
use spells per se. This is plain and simple a tactical assessment of magic to
aid younger adventurers in deciding what to learn and to further discussions of
tactical applications of magic amongst others farther down the road. Everything
here is reflective of my own opinions alone.
This is now the Third Level of magic, and this is one of the
hard ones, folks. Lots of good spells and some of them are downright
complicated, so here we go!
Bind
Incant
Syllables: 7
Advantages: Beyond making your target unable to cast
spells at you and fighters unable to swing it means these same fighters cannot
use any of their training to parry a sword strike. It is also a fast incant.
Disadvantages: They can still
run away. Roguish training for dodging and evading blows are still available. A
good number of creatures can rip their way free
Usefulness
Assessment - Scholars: This spell is a back bone spell of any repertoire. It
is useful for incapacitation if you do not want to kill your target (like a berserked friend). Did I mention it’s fast?
Usefulness
Assessment - Templars: That thing
about your fighter friends? Well, this spell lets you be your own best friend.
You should never be going toe to toe with a specialized warrior in terms of the
number of skill strikes, and the availability of this spell is one of the
reasons you should never want to. It allows you to just go for the kill
strikes, and then learn your defense. While you are on the front line next to
your fellow combatants one casting can turn into allot of punishment when you
and your friends pummel your target as they rip free.
Rating:
Scholars: 8 out of 10; Templars: 10 out of 10
Ice Bolt
Incant
Syllables: 6
Advantages: It’s
damage. Against those things of a fiery nature it will do increased damage.
Using it as a breaker at distance might just put the bad guy down. Very fast
incant.
Disadvantages: Undead are
common and ice does not work on them. If you are not of the mindset to be
inflicting raw damage (why do you cast this school?) this spell is not useful
to you.
Usefulness
Assessment - Scholars: You are a Celestial caster and this is your damage
spell. Enough said.
Usefulness
Assessment - Templars: Well, it is
damage, but its not so much damage that a few swings of your sword cannot make
up for it. Of course it is magic and it is range. Still a solid spell shield
breaker due to speed.
Rating: Scholars: 6 of 10; Templars: 5 of 10
Lesser
Investment
Incant
Syllables: 12
Advantages: It’s
great on a scroll for when you do not have time to get everyone together to be
in the Ward when you cast it.
Disadvantages: Long
incant. Now that is said, this spell has no place in your memory. Proper
planning makes this spell useless. Magic is a limited resource; do not waste it
for bad planning.
Usefulness
Assessment - Scholars: Useless. Put it on a scroll and keep one handy. Maybe
two. Save your memory.
Usefulness
Assessment - Templars: Useless.
Same as for the Scholars but more so.
Rating: Scholars: 0
of 10; Templars: 0 of 10
Shatter
Incant
Syllables: 9+
Advantages: It can get
rid of shields and swords. Sometimes it can destroy locks or other small
objects you need to get past. It can also hurt golems and constructs. Let me
say it again: It can hurt golems.
Disadvantages: If you
cannot disarm it with the lower level spell you likely cannot shatter it
either. Every shatter you have in memory could have been an Ice Bolt or a Bind
or a Wall of Force. Useless against claws and casters.
Usefulness
Assessment - Scholars: Well, your archer friends might like you for getting
rid of shields, and you might get rid of a weapon being swung at you, but again
see the comment earlier about claws. A bad guy with a second sword or a
teammate who knows how to hand off a sword scuttles that plan, giving you
little more than a moment during which time you might be saying to yourself
“for all that I could have had a Bind.”
Useful
Assessment - Templars: Really the
same comment as with Scholars save that you really should not be wasting magic
to deal with those incoming weapons. Learn to block with your own. That said,
if you do shatter their sword they cannot parry with it but now you are back in
the place of saying “Neat, but I could have had a Bind.”
Rating: Scholars: 4
out of 10; Templars:
4 out of 10
Wall of
Force
Incant
Syllables: 8
Advantages: It can hold
a door for up to ten minutes, only being able to be brought down by a Dispel.
Mind you, as the caster you can drop it at any time so if you just need to
catch your breath it can be a life saver. It can also block a Ward. That is
correct, you can block anything from being able to get out of a ward, since
they would need to get out to dispel it, and if you plant it right on top they
never will be able to do so from the inside ... so if the baddies ever have a
ward they are attacking you out of a Wall of Force ends it for a time.
Disadvantages: It can be
hard to get to work as you need a door frame and either the ability to draw an
unbroken line on the ground, a stick, rope or even a sword to clearly mark the
line for the magic to take. You cannot use it effectively as a pavaise in combat without extraordinary preparations, but
major kudos are yours if you do.
Usefulness
Assessment - Scholars: Sometimes you need to secure a tunnel or a door, and
this spell does it. There is a really funny story I could tell you about Wall
of Force and a Pantherghast...
Usefulness
Assessment - Templars: Slightly
less than for Scholars. Bottom line is you are rarely going to really want more
than one and for its level, when you need it, this spell is just sexy. Oh, this
is one of those things that Earth Casters just cannot do.
Rating: Scholars: 6 of 10; Templars:
3 of 10
Baron Ulthoc’s Missive to the Paladins
There are times when the
right thing to do is not the easy thing to do. It is my belief that these times
are exactly what tests our mettle as Nobles.
This past week, I was in Corrheim, and while there learned of a great tragedy that
had befallen the population. A strange plague had begun to spread, causing
madness. The only marking for this plague was a strange purple fume coming from
the infected.
In the course of our
investigation, we unearthed another tragedy. The
That stonemason spent his
natural life trying to find a way to free her. When that failed, his love
caused him to search for an unnatural lifespan to buy more time... and so he
became a vampire, and continued to search.
We now advance to the present
day, a thousand years later. The man who became a vampire found the mirror, and
used all this arcane knowledge to try to break it open. Instead, he cracked it,
and did damage to the surrounding countryside, causing the fumeplague
as well as trapping spirits within it.
In the course of repairing
the mirror - which thank the fates restored everyone that had been affected by
it back to life - Amaranthus learned that the attempt
to release the Princess had failed as the mirror can only release a set amount
of “existence” if that amount or more is stored within it. Our
first thought was to offer the Vampire the option of storing himself to release
her. However, this left a threat for later generations to deal with if he ever
got out. I was loathe to create another Dominion situation. Somehow (and in
truth I forget how this came about) we discussed whether or not storing
“part” of him would be sufficient. The attempt to do that would
either fail destroying him utterly, or succeed in the most spectacular fashion.
I decided the risk was worth taking, as either success or destruction was
worthwhile.
I gathered the adventurers,
explaining we were going to “destroy” his collected undead minions,
“eliminate” a vampire, and bring the mirror to keep him
“distracted from attacking” the adventurers. I was very careful in
use of these words to avoid lying, and thus breaking the Code. As much as I
hated even that level of deception, the most direct translation of
“consorting with Undead” could apply to any who knew the full truth
of this. My goal was to right injustices, not to involve fifty of my friends,
family, and allies in possibility of another one.
We engaged the undead forces,
with Amaranthus and Laguna operating of their own
accord apart from the combat line to try to find the Vampire and draw his
attention with the mirror and explain the plan. We were successful in all
fronts. His army was engaged and destroyed. The Vampire was forced to engage a
limited party rather than the field as a whole, saving lives and resources.
Through use of powers I will
not begin to attempt to understand, Amaranthus was
able to shut off the drain of the Vampire’s life force at the moment
before his complete destruction. One thousand years of his memories as well as
a full half of his spirit were absorbed into the mirror.
The legal penalty for
Necromancy is a minimum of one death first conviction, with a minimum of an
obliteration for multiple convictions. In this, he voluntarily offered himself
up sentencing without defense, and paid greater than the legal penalty.
Further, he sacrificed one hundred spans of memory - while my opinions on the
severity of his penalty may be colored by my ties to Biata heritage and
culture, I can assure you wars have been fought over less ... that was a very
steep price to pay as well.
The Princess was freed, and
returned to her stonemason love. Both were able to escape the field unharmed as
we continued to destroy the remaining undead.
In my opinion, the only
difference between the summary sentencing and release of our Glenmoor allies by His Grace Duke Frost and my actions were
that he stood in lands under his authority, where I stood in a Barony not my
own. However, I contend I stood as an extension of His Grace Duke Nevin’s will, and as such those actions are binding,
and beyond contestation by any but His Grace or His Majesty Himself (may he
rest forever in peace).
The situation resulted in:
The righting of a thousand
year injustice.
The defense and protection of
the two parties victimized in that injustice.
The defense and protection of
the local populace, all of whom were healed and returned to their normal lives.
The destruction of a
necromantic army.
The elimination of a vampiric line stretching back ten centuries.
These are what I believe the
code is to stand for. At no time did my actions directly violate the written
word of the Code. However, evil men hide their deeds behind such claims, and no
member of the Peerage may ever be above the law, even if well intended, for the
law to have any true meaning. As such, I made my deception clear to all, asking
for their forgiveness, and giving them rite of vengeance if they felt the need.
I now turn myself over to your judgment. I do not envy you in this task.
If you choose to find valor
in these acts, that valor rests with those assembled: the visiting members of
the Arkelian Hunt, the Gilded Claw, the Vanguard, and
the members of the three Baronial Courts, along with many others not sharing
association. If you choose to find fault in these acts, the fault is mine
alone.
I ride to Cil
Cilurion. I will see you shortly.
In
Honor and Valor,
Baron
Nordenn
Nathan Westwind’s Oath to Blythedale
Baron Sir Ivan Drake,
All my life I have wondered
where I belong. From the streets of
Dockside when I was a boy, to the Inns and Taverns of Ashbury city when I was a
young man, to the halls of the Bardic College and libraries
of the Royal Mages’ Guild when I was a man. I have searched. Searched for a home. Searched for a purpose. Searched to gain knowledge, to fight back
evil, and to expand my mind and my existence so that I could matter to the
people of this duchy.
During this search I have
come across and fought against many foul and terrible things. Some of them, I may be partially responsible
for unleashing. And I have met many fine
and brave peoples. Some of whom stand
around us even now. But it has been rare
that I have met someone to whom I would bestow the title of truly being
“noble.” It has been rare
to meet a man whom I felt compelled to serve.
I understand that an order
exists, that paladins sit in judgment over the nobility of us all, that a code
of chivalry tests those who would lead others to serve the realm. White belts abound and we all go about our
bowings and our “sirs” and “ladies” and we all do what
we are told for fear of the law which governs us.
But the laws do not hold sway
over a man’s heart. And in my
heart, there have been a few who wear the belt whom I have never doubted or
questioned what gave them the right to command the rest of us besides that
bleached strip of hide holding up their trousers.
His Grace Duke, Aramis Lyr was such a man, though I was too young to serve him in
any capable fashion. You, Baron Sir Ivan
Drake, are another such man. Long have a
watched as you have aided the peoples of Ashbury as they struggled against the
forces that would undo us. I have seen you
travel to every corner of the duchy, of Icenia, and Evendarr
before the maw. I have spoken to you, I
have traveled with you, I have studied for you, I have rescued you, and have
been rescued by you. I know of your
past, the good, the great, and the unpleasant… and I accept it all and
see you as a whole.
When I came to you last fall,
with my dreams in ruins, my work in vain, my heart in pieces with a grown
daughter I only learned of weeks before… you offered me shelter, you
offered me work, you offered me a chance to heal, and… I found in that
service to you, the home I have always been searching for. And a renewed sense of purpose and
belonging.
I believe I can help
you. I believe in the work you do for
the people of Blythedale, Ashbury, and the Realm. I believe your cause to be truly
“noble”. And though I have
no family name, titles, or great wealth to bring honor with these words to your
house or to your court, all that I do have, is yours, your excellency. By Sword, Spell, and Song. I am your man until death or dishonor parts
us.
Waywizard Nathan Westwind
Court Archanist
of Blythedale
Elemental Warden of Icenia
A Little Birdie
Told Me
by
Sue D’Onym
After lots of juicy gossip
last month, everyone seems to be mum this month. Still a little reached my ears, which means
everyone learns about it.
Having officially joined the
court of Blythedale, Nathan Westwind has been heard seriously discussing the idea
of building a Wizard’s tower in Greyhill’s
Peak near the borders of
Speaking of archery,
didn’t Qualin
and Ketemycos
look very cozy practicing together? It
is amazing how quickly they forgive and forget.
Of course, Ketemycos seems to be starting new
relationships everywhere. Late Friday
night he gave Kialda Loa a kiss in the tavern. It is probably
just coincidence that both of them started hearing voices in their heads only a
short time later.
And while we are talking
about potential budding relationships, is something brewing between Baroness Ezri
and Sornelintion? He was raised to squire very rapidly. Of course, even that is slow compared to Tugrot who offered to mate with one of the
enslaved ogres after rescuing her and was rather promptly taken up on that
offer.
Finally, if you were looking
for gossip on Laguna or Amaranthus,
you’re going to have to wait.
Those two are getting a pass this month.
A girl has to have standards.
That’s all for this
month. And remember, if can’t say
something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Public Notices
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ONE, COME ALL to