The Ashbury Times

September 607

“All The News That Fits, We Print”


Flora in Fairdale not so Fair

 

When the adventurers arrived in Fairdale to help retake the contested lands, they had no idea the would be fighting with the forest itself that surrounded the area. The first sign of problems occured when local trappers and hunters in the area came to the adventurers and told them that monstrous plants were blocking the areas in which they usually worked. Sure enough, plants had grown across well-worn tracks and attacked if passage was attempted.

The next day, a fey calling herself Xin rifted in and controlled the forest and its creatures to attack the assembled adventurers. The creatures and plants were all tainted with strange abilities beyond their normal capacity, though none appeared necromantic in nature. Later that day, another fey from the Seelie court calling herself Niabi appeared and told the adventurers that she knew how to cure the problem, but could only interfere so much. She offered to rift several groups to the locations where they could find the ingredients for the cure. When questioned about Xin, she revealed that Xin had once been a seelie fey like herself, but had somehow become corrupted. The adventurers were able to obtain the ingredients and the recipie from Niabi, but nobody had the death elixirs that the recipe required. As of this writing the forest remains under Xin’s control and whim.

In addition to the strange plants, an eerie fog would roll into town occasionally, and elementals and mist lynx, even mist cougars would pour from these fog clouds and attack.

The cause remained a mystery until a local farmhand by the name of Joann appeared asking for help. She had been searching for her boss, Lance for several days, and had just managed to find him in the woods outside of town. On Saturday night, Ren, Laguna and Ko accompanied her and found Lance, still in his circle of power and completely insane. As they spoke with the man, the four of them were pulled into Lance’s mind, and a huge fog cloud appeared in town. Using their unique abilities, Laguna and Ren were able to restore Lance’s sanity; when they did so the fog disappeared, and the creatures with it. It turned out that he had been studying celestial magic in order to try to create a ritual to manipulate the weather and help his crops grow. He was advised to stick to more traditional farming methods.


Baron Ivan’s Treasury Taken by Kobold

Baron Ivan Drake was successfully defeated by a kobold late Saturday night during the first gathering at Fairdale.  His entire baronial treasury was ransacked.  However, the prize treasure that was stolen was undoubtedly the Baronial baronial cornet.  The baron’s dying body was found and revived by Parduc and several adventurers spent some time searching the darkness for the slippery kobold who was heard to call out tauntingly “I’ve got the crown!  I’ve got the crown!”

Eventually, the kobold was found and defeated.  Telokh returned the stolen items, including the baronial cornet, and witnesses report that Baron Ivan rewarded Telokh for his assistance.  However, it is likely that the embarrassed baron will suffer some ribbing from Duke Frost for his inability to effectively protect himself, and his treasury, from such a weak predator.


Alchemist Attacked

 

While the Adventurers were gathered in Fairdale, the home of local and well-known alchemist named Hasket Kinnir was destroyed in the middle of the night.  Details seem sketchy, but what is known is that sometime after Hasket Kinnir and his wife Goshta had put their two young kittens to bed (they are Gorbe), The house was burned to the ground, apparently by a lantern thrown into it from outside the building. 

Hasket and Goshta successfully resurrected, however their two children did not.  While neither Hasket or Goshta have any memmory of the incident, it is uncertain whether they died in their sleep due to the fire, or were attacked, fed amnesias, and the house lit ablaze to cover the crime.  The motive for the attack is unknown; presumably it could have been robbery as Hasket’s alchemical lab was inside the house.  Man-at-arms Aven of the Untiring Phalanx is investigating the attack. Anyone with further information should seek her out. 

 


Mages’ Guild Report

 

Greetings and salutations.

For those unaware, my name is Wizard Aloysius McManus, and I have just recently been appointed to head the new Mages’ Guild in Fairdale.  I met with some of you last weekend, and was pleased by the desire many of you have to join the Guild.

In order to become part of the Guild, I do require all prospective members to pass a series of quests, starting from the easy for apprentices to the very difficult for the higher ranks. 

I am pleased to announce that Ren has passed her first test and shall now be known as Apprentice Ren of the Mages’ Guild.

Of those who wish to join, I require a written statement telling me of your history and why you wish to be a member and support the celestial arts.  You may send this by missive to me here in Fairdale or bring it with you when you arrive.  The only requirement to apply is the ability to cast at least one celestial spell.

I have been informed by my superiors in the Royal Guild that I must acknowledge those who have already reached high rank in the Royal Guild, and will therefore be investing Aria and Cedric the next time they appear, assuming I can obtain the scroll.  If any others are invested, please contact me.

Since there is no Sages’ Guild here in this outpost, I am also hoping that the Mages’ Guild can serve that function as well and hope that any scholars interested in research will contact me. 

I also request that all nobility and adventuring groups remember to contact the Guild if they seek aid in matters of research or magic.

The Guild also will purchase and sell components, scrolls, ritual scrolls, magical celestial items, and items which may be useful for enchanting.  

I myself usually memorize a number of Ward and Light spells each gathering, assuming that these would be wanted by the adventuring class.  I also tend to spellcraft Damage Aura and Monster Slayer, so that if anyone is interested in these, please contact me before arriving so that we may negotiate a fair price and so that I don’t use up my components unnecessarily.

I have grand plans for this Guild, and am hopeful that Fairdale will build itself into a large area with a permanent population so that I am not as alone during these weeks between ducal gatherings.  (Not to say that the tavern owner and his beautiful workers are not wonderful acquaintances.) 

Wizard Aloysius McManus, Guildmaster

 


Healers’ Guild Report

 

      It is with a heavy sigh that I write this.

      Over the years that I have been running the Healers’ Guild, I have tried to bring respect to the art of healing.  For example, I have posted many articles about how adventurers should compensate and respect the healers who support them; I have spoken to the nobles and received promises that they will guide and respect the healers;  and I have supplied healing to adventures on the battlefield, pointing out the need to appreciate the help given.

      Unfortunately, many healers in my Guild are very upset with the way they are treated. I have received comments that they feel like doormats to many of the nonhealer adventurers, who expect the healers to participate in battle and fight but yet not receive in the rewards or glory afterward.

      So many healers in this area feel abused and unwanted, as if they are mere slaves to those who demand their services yet rarely even give thanks afterwards.

      That is why at the last gathering, the healers decided to protest.

      The Guild, after a meeting attended by all present, decided to withhold all healing with the exception of Cure Light Wounds to those on the ground until the situation changes. There will be exceptions made for those who are working for the Guild or who have made previous arrangements for healing.

      This was not an easy decision.  Our hearts as well as our supporters and bodyguards are heartbroken that we must take this step.  We feel however that past pleas to be treated fairly have not produced the desired result, and we are left with no option.

      I will be available to discuss this and explain our position in more detail. Once more, we apologize for the inconvenience and only hope that this will help demonstrate what an important role a healer plays in your life, and why you should appreciate the assistance. 

      It is my duty as Guildmistress to build support in the adventuring community for my healers, and this I intend to do.

      Zatarina     

 


 

Letters

 

To all adventurers who answered the call of His Excellency, Baron Sir Ivan Drake; I wish to say thank you.

Without your support, the Dominion would not have been dealt another mortal blow and the good folks of Fairdale would have suffered unduly at the hands of our new bugbear enemies in the contested lands.

I call now to and I ask that you adventurers search for a master alchemist which we need to complete the recipe which we need to free the fey Xin from enslavement and stop the unwarranted magical plant and animal attacks. Even though we collected the ingredients necessary to complete this remedy, we need one who is skilled enough to mix it.

I also wish to congratulate those who hunted the Black Stag, ending its’ necromantic taint to our lands.

Fairdale is by no means pacified and many of our foes remain. It is my sincerest hope that the adventurers continue to take these cretins to task for their crimes and help to build up the defenses on the border of the contested lands. In many years I have not been prouder or happier than I am now, to have bore witness to such a start, for this I thank you.

“Rock of Trellheim

Sergeant Ignatius Skippio Vex of Legion D, the Untiring Phalanx


Obituaries

 

EROLYD DORIATH; Professor of Apothacarial Studies at the Greystone Institute of Apothacarial Arts.  Died in his home at the age of 87.  Professor Doriath had over forty years tenure with the Institute, and was lovingly known as “Old Man Doriath” by both faculty and students.  For details of the spirit farewell, contact Headmaster Rynnel at the Greystone Institute of Apothacarial Arts.

 

VANALIN FORESTDAWN;  Amani Ranger.  While the details of her permanent death remain withheld by the Rangers, the released information is that she permantly died while completing her duties in defense of the Barony, Duchy, and Kingdom.  For details regarding the spirit farewell, please contact Narion Forestdawn at the Rangers barracks in Tilomon City.

 

SIRAM OREHAMMER; Master Smith.  Siram Orehammer engaged in a drunken brawl in the Broken Troll, a grog-house in one of the seedier districts of Dwarvenholm.   What a well-respected master smith was doing in such a seedy establishment is unknown at this time.  Herir Orehammer, Siram’s oldest son, has offered a reward for information, including the identity of a tall, blackbearded dwarf who is thought to have been involved or at least witnessed the fatal blow.  For details regarding the spirit farewell, please contact Herir Orehammer in the Goldstone district of Dwarvenholm

 


Public Notices

 

TAVERN CONTEST! First, thanks to everyone who participated in the “Name the Tavern” contest. Congratulations to Baron Ivan and Raven for the winning entry of “The Black Stag Tavern.”  For September, we will be having a Tavern Sign Contest.  Entry is once again two silver!  Bring your design for the sign of our tavern to me by September 8th at the feast for consideration.  The winner will receive a prize that I have not yet determined, but it will be worth more than 2 silver, that's for sure. This will, of course be followed by our "Paint the Best Tavern Sign" contest in a couple more weeks.  See you all soon. - Skirfir Thunderhelm

 

I CALL UPON the brave and stout adventurers of Ashbury to join us in Fairdale on September (month of Gryphon) 7th.  We have made progress against the forces of evil in Trellheim and we must take advantage of our momentum. – Baron Ivan Drake of Blythedale

 

INFORMATION WANTED.  A few days ago I heard from a runaway Mystical Wood Elf by the name of Rika. She told me about an undead pirate named Rotweed, who was upset with us and was coming to attack at Fairdale. She continued saying that Lowpeg was a pirate leiutenant under Rotweed, and was close to our borders. The next morning a few Mystical Wood Elves, a Biata and a Raven Scavanger went with me to rescue Rika’s brother.  What I want to know is if anyone has any information on Rotweed. This includes his background, any fighting experiences, known weaknesses, etc. I would also like a few people to think about a way to get a preemptive strike on him. He holds many of my people captive on that ship, and I would easily risk my life for them. - Lark