The evil liche Mourna, who has terrorized Ashban citizens for many years, has finally been defeated and destroyed, primarily through the work of Hanson of Trellheim. After accomplishing this feat, Hanson was given the title of Lord by Sir Konrad in accordance with the requirements set by the Paladins.
"At last, I feel that the rumors about Justice and myself can be silenced once and for all," stated Lord Hanson.
According to Lord Hanson, the court of Trellheim had decided years ago to fight this evil in a different manner than most. Then-Baron Morgan Blackbourne believed that Mourna's powers were too great to be fought by mere swords and spells, and even if defeated, she would probably return to Ashbury with an undead army and punish those who defeated her. Attacks by the court of Nordenn seemed to indicate that this was the case, as many of that court suffered deaths and later saw towns in Nordenn decimated by Mourna's revenge.
Mourna had often claimed that she was being forced to attack Ashbury because someone else held the bottle which held her spirit. Trellheim decided that the bottle was the key to her defeat and attempted to gain Mourna's confidence and try to find its location.
While speaking with Mourna, they discovered that she did not want to be a liche_it was merely an accidental side effect of a ritual magic that she had cast. She stated that she had to do as her master commanded, and really did not want to hurt anyone. She claimed that her master was ex-Duke Alaric Dragonhart, but Trellheim was suspicious. Baron Morgan, one of Alaric's biggest supporters, refused to believe that this was the case.
As time passed, the Court of Trellheim became more powerful, but so did Mourna. She continued to claim that her master was commanding her to do evil deeds, although she tried quite often to pervert his orders and to leave everyone uninjured. She warned that any attacks upon her or her minions would be dealt with in kind.
She then began claiming that her master was really Dinayr A'Vaughn, ex-Baron of Blythedale. According to her, he had ordered her to lie when she was claiming that her master was Alaric Dragonhart. Many who remember Dinayr as a good Baron who constantly fought against necromancy found this hard to believe as well. However, others have pointed out that Dinayr was seen in Ashbury the on the day Mourna was destroyed, perhaps looking for the bottle.
Finally, Hanson pointed out to her that she really did not know who had her bottle. How did she even know that Dinayr really possessed it? He was not stupid enough to let her see it up close, or she would destroy whoever held it, and take it. Someone else, however, could verify the existence of her bottle. She promised to try to convince her master, if Hanson would promise to try to steal the bottle and return it to her, and the bargain was struck.
Eight months later, Hanson received a message telling him where to proceed--and to come alone.
"At this time, I had to resort to methods that I find quite distasteful, but I felt were necessary," stated Lord Hanson. "If discovered traveling with other citizens of Ashbury, the entire mission would be placed in jeopardy. So I hired six mercenary trolls to travel with me and stage an attack against the people I was meeting. If they indeed held the bottle, then they were evil, and certainly guilty of treason at the very least."
Stating that he would have preferred to bring them to a Magistrate who could sentence them in a legal manner, but could not devise a way to do it, Lord Hanson instead conferred with Baron Justice McCoy who stated that Hanson would probably not be committing any crime if anyone protecting the bottle died in the process of obtaining it.
Hanson stated that he separated from the trolls as he neared his destination and that he spotted about fifteen people on the other side of a stream. "I recognized three of the people," he said. "Heinrich von Grawburger, Warren Maxin, and Natasha Strathmore. I also noticed that one of them had a large fancy bottle. After verifying that this was most likely Mourna's Bottle, I gave the signal for the trolls to attack."
The bloodbath that followed ended with many injuries but with a successful retrieval of the bottle. At least one of the fifteen people escaped and is still at large.
Hanson returned to Ashbury with his prize and after many hours of research, determined that a Destroy Magic (Earth) ritual would be needed to rid Ashbury of one of its greatest menaces.
However, there was a problem. Mourna still held the bottle of Sir Kelial. If Mourna were destroyed, would Kelial's bottle ever be retrieved?
Sir Kelial had been bottled by Mourna over a year earlier after he had offered himself to her in exchange for the safety of the town. Kelial had been knighted for his actions, but Mourna had used the bottling of him as a bargaining chip against him.
While Hanson and his associates were devising a plan, a man using the name Rolff and claiming to be an agent of Mourna contacted him and offered to buy the bottle. After much discussion, he asked that Hanson send the Barony of Nordenn away on some wild goose chase, so that Mourna would come to town to talk to Hanson in person. She would bring many things to trade, including Kelial's spirit bottle.
The time had come to attempt the destruction of Mourna. The plan was to begin the Destroy Magic ritual, and while delaying Mourna by keeping her busy in conversation, bringing about her final destruction.
After revealing the plan to Sir Konrad and the rest of the nobles, it was discovered that Sir Kelial already possessed his bottle, having gone through a quest of his own to retrieve it a while ago. This made the negotiating aspect of the meeting unnecessary.
The Ducal Household supplied the ritual components, and ritual was begun. After an hour, the liche Mourna was destroyed without her ever having been aware that the ritual was taking place.
However, her minions found out soon enough and within the hour, an army of undead swept into Ashbury and laid attack on the town. There were many casualties but in the end, the people of Ashbury were victorious.
In a shocking turn of events, Brianna Nordenn, the newborn daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbury, was stolen from the Ducal Manor House several hours after her birth while the town was busy fighting an attack of Mourna's undead. While it was to be expected that the Ducal heir would be a tempting target for numerous enemies of the Duchy, the attack came from an unexpected direction.
Strong evidence points to the Duke's own Squire Truxton as the guilty party.
As a longtime member of the Ducal Court and well trusted ally, Truxton had no trouble gaining access to the child. Truxton gained admittance to the Manor House from the Duke's other Squire Dugal McEwan, who was guarding the infant while the Duke and Duchess bravely fought against Mourna's undead. Using Sleep scrolls borrowed from Sir Konrad on the pretext of "family business," Truxton slept Squire Dugal and Brianna and simply slipped away into the woods.
Although the kidnapping was discovered less than ten minutes later, no trace of Truxton could be found by the many concerned citizens who aided in the search.
The immediate reaction of the Ducal Court was that Truxton must have been controlled in some manner. No reason could be found as to why Truxton might bear a grudge against the Duke and Duchess. However, a previous incident earlier this spring in which Truxton disappeared and returned in a catatonic state led some to speculate that he had been controlled for some time.
The Duchess immediately closed the borders of the Duchy to all travel. All ports were blockaded and all major highways were closed at the borders. Within the week, the order had come down from King Joseph to reopen the borders for the purposes of trade in Evendarr, and the Duchess obeyed her friend and liege without question.
The Duchess has ordered that all infant children under the age of one month are to be brought to the nearest Mages' Guild for identification. Speculation is that the child, who appeared to be human, had a Transform to Human ritual performed on her shortly before or after her birth, making her identification much easier. It was well know that the Duchess feared the consequences of a biata child who had been exposed to a great deal of Celestial magic before birth and had probably requested the ritual herself.
However, orders were also given that infant girls who passed this test but were not known to local authorities were still to be detained and the parents questioned.
Many local adventurers have helped in the search, using whatever meager clues they may have at their disposal about Truxton. The Healers' Guild has placed notices throughout the Duchy for news about new children being seen in the areas or for calls for wet nurses, and Mother Merry herself has even sent word throughout the areas she frequents.
On Friday, July 15, Ashbury was greeted with yet another great challenge: The Gerakari--a strange race of beings bent on conquest.
An old barbarian named Kerrigan came into town that night and told the tale of the Gerakari to all who would listen. He also mentioned a race of beings known as the Gerazeri, who are the mortal enemies of the Gerakari. After telling his tale, Kerrigan left Ashbury in fear of what was to come.
Ashbury's fears came to life when two Knights of the Gerakari decided to make the Tournament Field their arena of battle. They put up a circle of power surrounded by giant earth elementals, and proceeded to fight each other. After a long and spectacular melee, the knight known as Draq was victorious. He spirit walked out of the circle and left his earth elementals behind to deal with the town. They were quickly overrun.
A short while after this incident, Ashbury was visited by a contingent of Gerazeri led by their leader, Kazat-Tur. A meeting was held between the Gerazeri and the present nobility in the tavern. It was here that the town first learned of the Star Mace and the shards needed to construct it. Kazat-Tur pushed the nobility to allow Ashbury citizens to use necromancy, because it was the most effective weapon versus the Gerakari. However, Duke Bryan would not budge on the matter.
Immediately after the meeting with Kazat-Tur, an interesting turn of events almost led to great bloodshed. A group of Psycree (squid-headed beings who have been both enemies and friends of Ashbury) were talking with Ashbury citizens when the Gerazeri all-out attacked them, and took down most of the Psycree with necromancy. This almost led to a battle between the nearby Ashbury citizens and the Gerazeri necromancers. Squire Algar, for instance, attacked the Gerazeri and was spell-strike deathed twice by Kazat-Tur.
Ashbury was also greeted Friday night by a pair of creatures dubbed "Celestial Hounds." These beings appeared as black voids, vaguely shaped like a large hound, with two glowing, red "eyes." Many of Ashbury's brave adventurers were assaulted and the hounds proved very difficult to defeat. Draq's hounds seemed to hunt down celestial casters and items of great celestial power. It is believed that the hounds may have been hunting the shards, which all of Ashbury was fervently searching for all weekend.
Late Friday night, a messenger came into town, a lone Gerakari Lieutenant. The Lieutenant stated to Duke Bryan and Duchess Mara the terms of surrender, which included a ten percent enslavement of the general population. Both the Duke and the Duchess stated that these terms would not be acceptable. The Lieutenant then stated that Lord Draq would send an assault against the town Saturday morning.
The Gerakari invasion force showed up promptly at the time they had stated the night before, and the composition of its forces accurate as well. The first creature to "break the ground," was the infamous Star Worm, a creature of immense size. The worm broke from its earthen home, and struck fear into many of the Ashbury residents. After a long grueling battle the worm was eventually defeated, but not after the creature had engulfed several unlucky citizens.
Several waves of the Gerakari followed the Star Worm assault. The Gerakari, with a mold colored face and eyes black as coals, fought fanatically against the town, but were also eventually defeated. The town, led by Sir Konrad, fought valiantly but was badly hurt in the process.
Draq stated that this was just to show the town what he was capable of and he stated that more waves would continue to come until Ashbury could take no more.
In surprise political move, apparently under the counsel of Kazat-Tur, Duke Bryan surrendered to Lord Draq. (Duchess Mara was at that time in labor, delivering the couple's child). The surrender carried with it no specific terms but was used by the wise Duke to buy the town some time to gather the rest of the shards and finally construct the star mace. Draq accepted the treaty and made a proclamation that no one in town should attack his people, and he would do the same for Ashbury. He stationed a small garrison there to patrol and look for treaty violations.
The shards themselves were magical in nature and upon identification it was discovered that each shard contained a living elemental from each of eight elements: fire, earth, water, air, life, death, order, and chaos. Little is known about the shards, save that they were used to create a weapon of great power against the Gerakari.
One of the shards was found by accident. A local farmer named Morris contacted Captain O'Connell of the Harvest Moon regarding apparitions seen in his community. While they had not harmed anyone, the town folk were becoming scared. They seemed to be gathering within a nearby cave.
O'Connell organized a party of adventurers to investigate the matter. The other members included his first mate, Vorgoth Ravenscar, Natasha the Gypsy, Squire Ivan Drake and Killian Drake. Led by the local farmer, they entered the cave.
Deep inside, they were stopped by three undead spirits which forbid them to enter. Ivan and Vorgoth quickly attacked the abominations of nature, supported by spells from their teammates. After destroying the creatures, they delved deeper and encountered another undead who claimed to be Sir Hopkins of Blythedale, a former paladin of the realm from the days when Blythedale was part of Rotaria.
According to Hopkins, he had been cursed to guard a magic shard by a liche in return for the liche's promise not to destroy his homeland. Ivan determined that Hopkins--while an undead--was still good of heart. As the liche was long ago destroyed, Hopkins did not fear the loss of the shard to the adventurers. Unable to destroy itself, Hopkins permitted Ivan to use its own magic sword to end its existence. In return, the party pledged to bury his remains in Rotaria and spread the word that Sir Hopkins had ultimately died with honor and helped to save Ashbury.
Sir Angus McEwan was chosen by the town to wield the Star Mace constructed by the shards. Guildmistresses Shalizar performed the ritual successfully after all eight shards had been gathered.
Apparently, Ashbury was not destined for victory. A message from the future came into town--a future in which the gerakari were victorious.
A human dragon mage, a stone elf, and obsidian golem phased into Guildmistress Shalizar's circle of power. The trio then went to speak with Darius, Anakin, and Florin. It is unknown what these three individuals from the future wanted with them, but they gave the three their own permanent Circle of Power behind the Dragon's Flagon and told them of the "Commune Stone."
The Commune Stone was very important to Draq and needed to be destroyed. Anakin, Florin, and Darius spoke with Shalizar who then assembled a team to have this stone destroyed. It was reputed that Draq used this stone to commune with Queen Gera herself, hence the name, "Commune Stone."
The stone was discovered and destroyed, with Baron Justice casting the Destroy ritual. The resulting explosion knocked Justice down and engulfed him and his belongings in a huge ball of flame, but he survived. The destruction of the stone was believed to also weaken Draq's forces on Sunday morning.
The town told the Gerakari that they had surrendered to Lord Draq and his armies, all the while plotting his destruction. Kazat-Tur, the leader of the Gerazerai, found a weakness in Draq's defenses. A star worm had buried out of Draq's chamber floor, leaving the Lord vulnerable to a stealth attack from behind. The plan proposed by Kazat-Tur was to have the town assault the Draq's stronghold, and have a small team go through the tunnel to surprise Draq and kill him. Baron Thomas, Sir Angus, Sir Kelial, Lord Hanson, Squire Andrace, Lude Narcisse, Gazrith, Colin McEwan, Morlox, Raderic, and "Magic Guy" assaulted Draq's chambers.
Meanwhile, the rest of the adventurers in town attacked the stronghold from the front, facing wave after wave of the evil beings. Finally, one of Draq's generals walked out of the fortress and gave a message to the town. He told the town that their attempt was futile and that those who had faced Draq had failed. The General tossed the assorted noble and commoner tabards into the air to humiliate those who had tried to kill Draq. The dejected heroes marched out surrounded by gerakari. Sir Angus and Gazrith were not with him, having suffered deaths in the attempt. He was about to destroy Hanson's magical shortsword when Morlox threw a Disarm which caused him to drop it.
This enraged the populace who attacked. The battle was going against the town, and soon many people were on the ground bleeding to death, including the Duchess. Duke Bryan cried for surrender which put the Gerakari at bay.
The surprised citizens of Ashbury were allowed to gather their dying and heal them and stood astounded as Duke Bryan spoke with Draq to discuss the terms of surrender. His Grace spoke calmly as the town healed itself. He then spoke to the crowd.
"I have surrendered and have signed the terms of surrender under this treaty," said the Duke, holding up a piece of paper. He paused to let the image sink in as Draq and the gerakari looked on triumphantly. Duke Bryan then dramatically ripped up the paper, saying "I hereby break this treaty and declare war against the gerakari."
The renewed Ashbury forces surprised Draq and overwhelmed him and his forces. The gerakari were unused to this kind of "un-noble" behavior and quickly began to become disorganized and lost. Draq was forced to surrender but was not killed.
Just as the terms of Draq's surrender were being made, a gaseous form arrived on the scene. The form was Kazat-Tur, and he was obviously here to finish the job that the town had not completed. Several assassination attempts were made by Kazat-Tur on Draq, but none were successful. Draq was scared of Kazat-Tur, and he was visibly shaken
Kazat-Tur finally skulked away, and Draq was allowed to leave, once he swore that he would not continue to try to conquer Ashbury. Draq was disgraced and banished from returning to his home. He left Ashbury alone and dejected.
The stone elf Vaeyne's wish to transform to biata, which resulted in his obliteration on the last attempt, was finally accomplished recently to the dismay of the stone elves in town.
The gryphon known as Rosemary arrived in Ashbury to help Vaeyne change, but was met by Valesia Sauros, a representative from a noted family from the Stonewood Forest, who attempted to convince Vaeyne not to change. They were joined by Florin and a newcomer stone elf to Ashbury named Valtia who came with her biata bodyguard. Their arguments proved to be ineffectual.
Both Valtia and the stone elf representative warned Vaeyne about trusting gryphons. Valesia also was seen speaking to Dax about the same issue.
The debate grew and began to include many of the town's biata as well, including Sir Kelial. When Valtia and Valesia discovered that Kelial could cast the ritual, they begged Vaeyne to allow the biata to do it rather than the gryphon, and eventually both Vaeyne and Kelial agreed.
During the hour-long ritual, conducted in the Healers' Guild, many came and went to observe the progress. At the completion of the ritual, Kelial dropped to the ground unconscious as Vaeyne rose, now as a biata. The distraction allowed Valtia and her bodyguard to attack Rosemary, killing her with a Death spell. A battle ensued as a group of spectators became involved. Valtia was captured by members of the Ash Forest court, Rosemary was Lifed, and an investigation ensued.
Sir Kelial recovered and announced that the ritual, though successful, was flawed, causing him to lose consciousness. Vaeyne, meanwhile, went off soon after the ritual and has not been seen since.
While the investigation was being conducted, Rosemary took the chance to attack Valtia, and a second battle ensued. Valtia and her companion were eventually knocked unconscious in front of the Dragon's Flagon.
Florin then approached Valtia and attempted to use his stone elf skills to enter her mind. So that they would not be disturbed, Rosemary cast a Circle of Power and then paced the boundaries impatiently. After about ten minutes, Florin fell screaming in pain.
Attracted by the commotion, many people came to see what was going on, among them Baron Justice and Lord Magistrate Faustus. Valtia confessed to the murder of Rosemary but denied doing anything to Florin's mind, and argued that Florin had assaulted her by entering her mind without permission. Had she been awake, she argued, she would have warned him not to do so.
She then agreed to go into Florin's mind to try to repair the damage. This procedure lasted another ten minutes, during which time Valtia's biata companion disappeared.
After Florin was back to normal, Faustus sentenced Valtia to two deaths but suspended one in return for helping Florin. She agreed to the punishment, requesting that either the dark elf Kiate or Florin perform the execution.
While the argument was going on, Valtia became more and more agitated and argumentative, looking ill, and begging someone to kill her. She was not acting very much like a stone elf.
Finally, Kiate executed Valtia and she fell. All observers noticed an unusual scene--her skin changed from white to gold and her hair from white to black. She was rushed to the Healers' Guild and it was concluded that she had been cursed.
After five minutes, Valtia regenerated on the spot, looking again like a stone elf. When questioned about what had been seen, she stated that she was over 13,000 years old and was one of the seven original stone elves, cursed to live forever until the curse was removed. This story was confirmed by Florin who admitted that he had deduced as much from his knowledge of stone elven history.
Valtia refused to discuss her reasons for killing Rosemary, and only would state that she hated gryphons. In the end, she left amicably, leaving many puzzled Ashbans behind.
Several townsfolk were surprised recently by a leafy green man who came running out of a tree near the Ducal Manor House, only to collapse to the ground.
When he recovered, he identified himself as Rhyme, the King of the Forests of Zephyr. He was greeted by Ryval of Trellheim who took him to Baron Justice for help.
King Rhyme told of an invasion of his forests, and that he had performed a Contact Earth ritual and found that the villain responsible was one named Cadmus Sorcerer of the Black Wood. In addition, he found that Ashbury was next on his list of places to conquer. Rhyme didn't know who Cadmus was or why he hated Ashbury, only that somehow he had been offended by the people here.
Rhyme asked if some of the adventurers of Ashbury would come to Zephyr with him to help fight a common foe. Baron Justice immediately volunteered his court to go with Rhyme. Rhyme next met with the Duchess who forbid the entire court of Trellheim to leave Ashbury while they were fighting the Gerikari and Baron Justice obeyed his liege.
Rhyme continued to seek adventurers to help him, asking them many questions and trying to determine who could best help him. Finally, Rhyme met with Galoran and Dax of Nordenn and Olin of the Ash Forest. These adventurers had heard of Cadmus and remembered that he was responsible for attacks on dryads several month ago in Waterwood.
These adventurers told Rhyme that they were defenders of the forest and brought him to Baroness Laurelin, introducing her as the guardian of the entire Ash Forest. She impressed Rhyme with her dedication to the safety of the woods and agreed that he had found the dedicated group he needed to try to save his land.
Later that night, Rhyme met the group at the tree from which he originally emerged. A group representing many of the Baronies of Ashbury accompanied Rhyme. From Ash Forest were the Baroness and Squires Algar and Kittery; from Nordenn were Galoran and Dax; and from Blythedale was Baron Thomas.
Rhyme had them form a circle around the tree and then he walked into the tree with them. When the group reappeared, the area was alien, the vegetation was unrecognizable and blighted, and it smelled like a swamp. Rhyme could not believe the changes wrought upon his beautiful land in the space of a day.
He suggested they head to his grove where he would be at his greatest power. They had only walked a little while when they were beset by a group of dryads who attacked them and began to throw necromantic spells. The group of adventurers was hard pressed for a while since their silver and magic weapons seemed to have no effect on these dryads; however, they pushed back and found that flame seemed to harm them more than normal. They saved the dryads and allowed Rhyme to imprison them in the trees.
The adventurers realized that several things were very odd about these dryads. First, their leaves were turning black and black patches were appearing on their skin. Second, they were casting necromantic spells which Rhyme informed them is impossible.
They made haste for the grove but were attacked again along the way--this time by moving oak trees and some strange sort of giant bush. Finally they arrived at the grove where a great tree rose from the center above the entire forest. Rhyme explained that that was his tree and began to get several things from it. At his command, vines from his tree draped down in the form of a circle and he placed himself and the adventurers in a circle of power. He gave the adventurers several seeds which he told them were the hope of his people.
At this point, a figure walked into the grove with several more dryads. The figure wore long robes and appeared to be made of both wood and stone. He identified himself as Cadmus and after exchanging several insults with Rhyme, he began to tell Rhyme to lower his circle.
The adventurers were in shock as they saw Rhyme's leaves begin to blacken. Rhyme found the strength to resist and open a portal back to Ashbury, sending the adventurers through. When they arrived back in Ashbury, they found themselves in a weakened state for several minutes and Rhyme was no longer with them.
Shortly after midnight of July 23, 595, the small town of Fenwyck was attacked by a hoard of undead abominations. The attack began inside the Keep itself, and as the Baronial guard valiantly fought the walking dead, a band of orcs swept down out of the surrounding forest and lay waste to all outside protections of the Keep. The local militia was taken by surprise, and without the support of the Baronial guard the orcs quickly overran the townsfolk who lived along the Keep's walls.
Wasting no time, the orcs then charged the depleted forces holding the walls of the keep. Hammered by the combined forces of undead and orcs, Fenwyck Keep fell quickly, and at a terrible price.
Due to the nature of the brutal ambush, facts are hard to come by, but sources near Fenwyck report many refugees have fled the town, and a shelter camp has been set up in nearby Fenwyck Woods.
It appears that the group responsible for the attack is none other than the Jaded Cabinet. Since the attack however, they have stayed silent, and rumor has it that they are waiting for something--or someone.
Baron Thomas Grey has asked all able adventurers to the area in an attempt to rout the undead.
"Citizens of Ashbury," postings from the Barony declare, "A great evil has struck a blow against the good people of Fenwyck. A group calling itself the Jaded Cabinet has sacked Fenwyck, and murdered innocent townspeople and soldiers. There is hope but I need your assistance. No matter what your skills, you are needed. Those that wish not to fight, may assist elsewise. All brave adventurers report to Fenwyck Woods Shelter Camp on the morning of August 5th, 595 E.R."
A wave of excitement has spread throughout the Kingdom as news of the Royal Proclamation announcing the official Naming of the Heir was read to a large cheering crowd in the Royal Plaza last week in Evendarr City. By Royal Decree, on October 7th, 595, at Saxony Keep, Prince Berthold Endarr, the 3-year-old son of King Richard and Queen Katherine, will be Named Heir to the Throne of Evendarr.
This National Day of Celebration and Feasting marks the return of Dowager Queen Katherine Bartholomew Endarr to the land of her birth and rule, having quietly left Castle Evendarr in the wake of the death of her husband, King Richard.
By Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht
Just prior to dawn on Saturday, July 15th, a series of bizarre crimes were perpetrated behind the Dragon's Flagon. Never have I so doubted that the truth could be found and justice done, such was this crime's complexity. It was only after hours of exhaustive questioning and recreation that I could even issue charges.
It all involves the fey spirits placed in a few select individuals (see the June Ashbury Times) who are vying for who shall "rule" Tyrra. Lady Talia Grey (inhabited by the fey spirit of Baroness Brigit) was waylaid, evidently at the dark elf Gazrith's (fey spirit of Duke Balor) order, and was dragged behind the tavern. The dark elf also enspelled Squire Florin (fey spirit Count Ogme) and dragged him behind the tavern as well, also feeding him a forget-it-well making him think the Gerakari had attacked him. Behind the tavern, Gazrith allegedly decapitated Lady Talia, the sole way to "kill" the fey spirit within her, then Lifed her, Slept her twice (to no effect) and finally used chaos to render her unconscious. Evidently, he wished to destroy her fey spirit to remove her from their bizarre fey "competition," but did not wish to kill her body, which was merely a vessel for the spirit.
An anonymous witness actually saw all this before fleeing, thus ensuring that it was not all a forget-it-well illusion. At about the same time, it is alleged that Squire Caleb, who had been talking with the group just minutes before, attacked Gazrith and his dark elf comrades, Paralyzing or Webbing them in short order. In fact, Squire Florin, who had also been waylaid and dragged behind the tavern, remembers waking up momentarily, seeing Talia unconscious, the dark elves immobilized, and then seeing Caleb walk up to him and Sleep him. This story is corroborated by one of the dark elves, Tika, who apparently had a perfect resurrection. I initially suspected the use of forget-it-wells, desperately not wanting to believe a noted healer could be capable of such vigilante murders, but in independent reenactments of the crime, the locations described matched perfectly. In any case, all five dark elves were slain and resurrected, a fact confirmed by the Healers' Guild. When Lady Talia awoke, she saw only Squire Florin's body nearby.
The issue is by no means decided, but the scenario that emerges is that Caleb, who had just left to return to his cabin, saw or heard the initial waylaying of Talia and Florin, approached and observed, and then struck by surprise--this would not be so difficult a feat as save for Gazrith, the dark elves are but novice adventurers. If this scenario is true, Caleb had the best of motivations--to save Talia and Florin, yet delved into Murder by going ahead and slaying the dark elves, trusting they would remember nothing. Florin waking up in the midst of this must have complicated matters, and it is his confirmation of the scenario of those who attacked him, the dark elves, that corroborates the story. The trial for the numerous offenses committed by the various parties shall take place on September 2.
Moving on to other crimes, the sarr Lude Narcisse was found guilty of Necromancy. During the battle with the Gerakari, he cast this fell magic at our foes, who were particularly vulnerable to chaos.
Despite his good intentions, the law is quite clear and uncompromising on this issue_he willingly went to his execution.
An elder stone elf, one of the seven founders of that race, was executed for attacking the Gryphon Rosemary and slaying her companion. Galloran was fined 8 gold for Conspiracy to Commit Murder. The Conspiracy to Commit Necromancy and Robbery case against the members of Checkmate remains open; there is simply not enough evidence to reach a verdict in this case.
Starshine was found guilty of Manslaughter for slaying Sir Angus McEwan when he lay bleeding on the ground. It was clear the newcomer to our Duchy meant no harm; she had been told by some unidentified onlooker that Sir Angus was an enemy--nonetheless, she was fined 3 gold after Sheriff Dugal referred the case to me.
A traveler from Ravenholt was likewise fined 2 gold and spellcasting public service for the Manslaughter of Talamar. As this "mistaken" crime is all too common in Ashbury I should warn the citizenry not to slay a body lying at your feet unless you are sure it is not a townsperson--no excuses of ignorance will be accepted.
We present for your enlightenment a poem composed by Daphne Green of the Royal Healer's Guild in Ashbury.
Citizens, nobles, hear the Code renowned
Of Chivalry, and learn and keep it well:
Defend the weak wherever they are found;
Embrace and love the land in which you dwell.
Of enemies show never hint of fear;
Fight valiantly, and flee not from the fray.
Cease not from fighting evil far and near;
Hold true to duty, and your liege obey.
In word and deed, in promise great or small,
Value the truth, nor break the oath you swear.
As you have means, be generous to all.
Lastly, be always and be everywhere
Right's champion and defend the good, and never
Yield to injustice in your life's endeavour.
We also announce a change in the policy on the appointment of Paladins. Ducal Paladins will no longer be required to leave the service of a Barony to which they have formerly sworn allegiance. Such a Paladin will be expected to recuse himself from judgement on the status of any squire or noble belonging to that noble court. This change is enacted so that we do not have to drain the best and brightest of our Knights from within the individual Baronies, and so that we may have at least one Paladin not on the Ducal Court to aid in the judgement of Ducal Squires.
The Paladins of Ashbury
by Sue D'Onym
I'm curious. . .Is it that only Trellheim obeys the Duchess or is it that the Duchess only restricts Trellheim? I noticed that the Duchess specifically prohibited Trellheim from helping the Dryad King, but there were members from the three other courts all in line going on an adventure with the wooden guy.
According to Killian Drake, working for Baron Thomas Grey isn't always bread and biscuits. Killian and his cousin Squire Ivan were (by his own words) "forced out of our residence by strangers." Basically the invited guests were snoring so louldy that the Drakes pitched their bedrolls outdoors. Unfortunately, this led them vulnerable to attack! The next morning they found themselves bound and gagged on the Baron's doorstep--and no one from Blythedale would get out of bed to save them. They were finally rescued by a brave messenger passing by.
Speaking of Ivan, Duke Bryan had ordered him to participate in Duchess Mara's Gunther's Knee compitition--apparently he thought it would be a valuable lesson in learning the difference between humor and lying. Ivan could not understand how this did not violate the Code of Chivalry. Lucky for him, the competition was postponed due to the Gerakari.
The Duke meanwhile hardly waited two months before giving an estate to his favorite orcs and pardoning Rafferty for his part in the murder of Naerfin. You know, in the old days, you had to pass the rigorous tests of knighthood, perform a great heroic act, or otherwise prove yourself above all others in order to get an estate; now you just got to give the Duke or Duchess a present or be their pals. Oops! There I go again. I keep forgetting that giving your opinion about the nobles in Ashbury is the same thing as committing treason. Silly me.
Speaking of Treason, Regent Deven Du'Leges has made it publicly known that the Shield of Vendamor doesn't have to follow the laws of Ashbury because they don't believe in them! (Gee, if I don't believe in necromancy, does that mean I can't be hurt by it?) Quentin is going to have to work overtime to get that one on the law books. The last time Deven said that, in the Ashbury Times no less, the Duchess made the Shield give up Slavetamer. So what are they going to give up this time?
Of course, he made this public statement right before the Shield disobeyed Sir Kelial and murdered a man who was trying to resurrect in clear view of Jonah Purus and other witnesses and in the sanctity of the Healers' Guild no less. Then they all left town! What a coincidence! Apparently the Shield doesn't acknowledge the laws but they're still scared of them.
I've heard that a Spirit Farewell ritual was done on Mourna after her demise, but no one will tell me who did it or why, or even what was said.
The Duke by the way gave Shalizar a stern warning about the pantherghast ritual, saying he hoped she someday gets a conscience. Shalizar had used Olin the half orc as her counselor in the matter. Olin?
Did you notice that Lord Hanson Of the No Last Name stated that he took trolls on his quest so not as to scare away the folks with the bottle--but yet he had the trolls hide in the woods until he gave his signal to attack. Apparently Hanson couldn't trust people with the difficult task of hiding and waiting for a signal. Let's have a contest to give the poor fellow a last name, shall we? In the spirit of so many other Ashban names, I propose the simple "Nounverber."
Well, I've run out of space here again. Just remember: If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
CLAN McEWEN, in reward for outstanding service and unswerving friendship I cordially invite you to a celebration in honor of the awarding of a freehold to your clan. All kilted members of the clan are invited to attend, and we hope that all recognize your valued service to House Nordenn and the Duchy. Peppercorn! - Duke Bryan Islevarr Nordenn
LET IT BE KNOWN that on this day I recognize and pardon the error committed by Rafferty McEwen during the war with Fangthorn. While your actions were not appropriate, you have committed no crime while under the order of a Nordenn. Naerfin you are to report to me immediately. - Duke Bryan Islevarr Nordenn
I WOULD LIKE TO express my gratitude toward Duke Bryan for both saving Dooron's life and the brilliantly executed method in which he saved not only the lives of many of Ashbury's citizens but also Ashbury itself. - Justice McCoy, Baron of Trellheim
HEAR YE, HEAR YE: Baron Justice McCoy would have it be known that the noble court of Trellheim consists of nobles and commoner, although everyone who travels with Baron Justice is more than just a commoner or adventurer.
I SHALL RETURN when my duties with running the Ducal armies permit. We have been very busy. - Sir Aloryn
TRUXTON: Please do not hurt Brianna. If you will take me instead, I will gladly turn myself over to you in exchange for the innocent child. - Lord Hanson
I KEPT MY WORD, and you didn't even need 100 yards. Lets deal again. Please contact me as soon as possible. It is a matter of Life and Death.
TRUXTON, forever I call you enemy - and declare your actions an atrocity and indicative of your complete lack of honor. I will hunt you down forever like the dog you are. I declare a bloodwar upon you and all who descend from your loins. I will hunt your family from the face of the earth. - Bracuar Naultik
COMPONENTS WANTED: Brain Coral and Narwhale Horn. Both are Uncommon Earth Components. It is not necessary for you to have both. Thank you. - Lord Hanson
SIR KONRAD: You will be receiving a gift from Ulvolose, The Scourge of Mortality. B8 - C6.
THANKS to Trellheim, Nordenn, and Modi Ioki for all your assistance. To all those who hear rumor of my courtships with many men, hear this: I care for one man; he knows who he is. If you want facts ask the source!! - Corrine Dufore
THE HARVEST MOON, exporters of rare, mundane, and unique items will be setting sail soon. Stop by while we are still in port for all your shipping needs. Also: Do you know what your items are worth? The Harvest Moon will evaluate the worth of your newly found possessions. No fee for evaluating jewelry during even numbered weekdays!
I WOULDN'T TALK, MARIUS. The next time you want a woman, it is best not to offer her 50 gold, and then let her die fighting alone! Hmmmm? - Corrine
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK Star, Naerfin, Natasha, Olin, and Jaret for their help. Thank you for bringing the stone elf Florin. I am much better now. - Kaleth, Mage of Balance
WANTED: Primary Component for the formal magic ritual Destroy Magic (Earth). This is to replace the component provided by the Ducal Household to destroy Mourna's Bottle. Please contact Lord Hanson at the Trellheim Manor House.
A HEALING CENTER is to be constructed to aid the suffering and wounded people in R'Kura after the utter devastation that the gerakari have wrought. Any donations, even the least, would greatly aid my cause. Contact me if there are any questions or inquiries. Please make the people of R'Kura know there is a Healer's Day. Thank you - Vaeyne Kayen-Telva.
SO BLYTHEDALE! You couldn't keep your end of the bargain, so the wench gets it.
MAXIMUS: Thank you for the gift. It will not be forgotten. Baroness Laurelin and Daphne: Thank you for donating many of potions which I used on the townspeople during the final battle against the Gerakari. Your gifts were generous and saved the lives of many. Thank you - Anakin
DEAR DUKE AND DUCHESS: We told you revenge would be ours! If you ever want to see your child and squire alive again, you will do what we ask. First, stop any and all efforts to prevent our escape. If they do not cease, we will perm them both. Second, you will receive a list of our demands shortly. Just be patient and don't do anything stupid. We are aware of every trick--don't force us to prove it! Providing you listen, you will hear from us shortly. - The Dark Seven
TO THE PEOPLE OF ASHBURY: You have offended me, you have acted against my plans, you killed my apprentice Banthus, and you have allied yourselves with my enemies. I now declare you my enemies and shall see your city rot where it stands. - Cadmus, Sorcerer of The Black Wood
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD, due to the generous donation of Turlough Kuranes, has acquired the very new Banish to Fire Elemental Plane ritual scroll. All customers are welcome to review the information on this scroll, reprinted in our Tome of Celestial Rituals. All Guildmembers are strongly encouraged to do so as well.
HAMLET'S DWARVEN ALE! An exciting new taste can be tried at the Dragon's Flagon. Ask for Hamlet's Brew specifically the next time you order a brew. Bring the bottle back to the Harvest Moon for a one copper refund!
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.
DUKE BRYAN AND SIR KONRAD: You have proven me wrong thus far. I am pleased to see your conviction served you well. I hope it will lead you to victory again if Gera herself decides to make a play for our treasured Tyrra. My sincerest wishes of luck - Tamberlaine, Chancellor of the Pentad of the Benevolent Earth
DAX: Please come and get your Feeblemind elixir. The Duke says it's legal to possess but I don't want it here in the Guild. - Daphne Green
I AM STILL teaching the art of First Aid for free. First Aid is a real life saver. - Maximus.
CONCERNED CITIZENS OF DIRON: I am warning you to never again speak out against the Shield or Shalizar. Your insolence will be tolerated no longer. Crawl back under those rocks you have been hiding under and take your useless hatred with you. I hope your lives were worth what you wasted them for. - Creator Raven Kade, Shield of Vendamor
WANTED: Ritual components and scrolls; Anyone who wishes to sell them, please contact me. - Anakin
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.
BARONESS LAURELIN: I look forward to speaking with you soon about the Wold and its need for strong leadership on the Council. I will seek you out. - Lord Eriol
THE MESSENGER'S GUILD is remiss in its duties. Over three months ago I handed an article to a member of the Messenger's Guild for the purpose of having a notice printed in your illustrious newspaper. It never appeared in the paper. This was prior to Ta'wane's kidnapping. Obviously you need a more reliable source of anonymous communications.
INFORMATION WANTED: Anyone who has any information as to the whereabouts of Camilla and Ta'wanÆ, please contact the offices of Quentin Dunbury, Esq. All information kept confidential, great rewards offered for information that proves to be true.
GALORAN: Your father is dead, your uncle's slain too. Now your mother is missing? We're thinking of you. - Juliantha
REVENGE SHALL BE MINE! - JJ
Farm soil edge unto king. Sell oral CC. Hide gold cage. Kept ailing NB. Etch extra year. DU swap evil LS. UC cease axed neck. Pretext till home. - Enraged Citizens of Diron
DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT of submissions, The Ashbury Times reserves the right to refuse to publish every public notice. Please limit your submissions to one or two per issue.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following promotion to Apprentice: Tarquin Xerxes; and the following promotion to Guildsman: Star, Barony of Blythedale; and the following promotion to Senior Guildsman: Laurelin Goldsong, Baroness of the Ash Forest