THE ASHBURY PROPHET

Turtle / Dolphin 612
Long Live the Emperor!

Returned Heroes Fight Vampires in Gravistam

by Jonas Tull

On the 7th Day of the Raccoon of the year 612, the Returned Heroes of Ashbury answered His Radiance’s call and gathered in the estate of Targan’s Paw, Gravishtam, to  face the vampire threat.
On the eve of their arrival, many of the adventurers were met with hostility in the form of troll raids into the town, but the attacks were soundly defeated.

Soon, word began to surface about an item called the Book of the Dawn. Subsequent attacks by vampires revealed that the foul undead also sought the book. It was theorized by the sages present that the book held the key to destroying Tar ‘Navarian vampires—a feat that has eluded sages and warriors alike for years.

Soon a huge force of vampires attacked the town, led by the Galanthian vampire and former general Matros Feratu Lochaber. Lochaber demanded the Book of the Dawn, and ordered his minions to attack. The fighting was very fierce, and it even took His Radiance Emperor Galantri to rift to the battle and turn the tide in favor of the heroes.

The next day, a dwarven miner came into town saying that he and his fellows were digging in some ruins near the town and found a book in a circle of light. He said they were chased off by translucent specters that guarded the book. Several adventurers surmised that the ruins were in fact the remains of the Academy of the Dawn, the place where the Book of the Dawn was said to have been written.

The dwarf showed the Ashbans were the ruins were and the adventurers found themselves in an ancient and long disused torture chamber. Inside they found many vampires fighting the spectral guardians of the Book of the Dawn, with the legendary text itself behind them.

The Ashbans immediately engaged the vampires and slew them. Once they were dispatched, the returned heroes began to parlay with the guardians. The spectral figures explained that they were cursed to guard the book from evil and refused to hand the book over unless the Ashbans could prove they were not evil.

In an attempt to show their good will, the Ashbans removed the curses that held the guardians. This, apparently, was evidence of the heroes good will, and the guardians allowed the Ashbans to take the book. A young healer named Vashti had the actual honor of claiming the book for Icenia.

Trouble was soon in coming however. Once the heroes returned to town, a group of sages and healers went behind a ward to study the secrets of the text. Vashti and Ator Thunderbringer, who had somehow been enslaved to Lochaber earlier, attacked the scholars and made off with the book to turn it over to the vampire.

Apparently Ator arrived at the rendezvous spot before Lochaber and hid the book. What followed was a tense standoff with ally pointing sword at ally in an attempt to find the book.

Fortunately Ator and Vashti were subdued and cured, but by then Lochaber had arrived on the scene, and the standoff continued with him.

Luckily the Ashbans had surreptitiously spirited the book away to safety by that time. Lochaber began to attack, assuring the Ashbans he would kill them for the book. Star, unaware that the book had reached safety, was able to bravely lead Lochaber away so it could be recovered. Shya Corak, in spite of her obvious discomfort, kept the book on her person and behind a ward for safety until Lochaber could be properly disposed of. True to the rumors, the book gave the holder the power to permanently slay vampires, and during the evening, at least three such monstrosities were destroyed.

Sunday, empowered by a Cloak of Darkness ritual, Lochaber kept his word and led a powerful on the town to retrieve the Book of the Dawn. The attack fared poorly for the Ashbans, and many adventurers were forced to resurrect. Shya, still behind the ward, was firm in her resolve and refused to hand the book over to the Lochaber, despite the carnage the vampire inflicted.
Fortunately, some Ashbans, including Lord Jonathan, Ator, and members of the Black Forest Mercenary Company, were able to rally and return to drive Lochaber back. The foul vampire turned gaseous and fled the scene.

Many of the adventurers that died have expressed no remorse over the events. “If it meant keeping the ability to permanently kill a vampire, I would gladly die again,” said one. The Vanisr Llyweilun stated “I knew my spirit was strong so I volunteered to die in place of someone whose spirit might not have been as strong.”

In spite of the many deaths, a great victory was stuck for Icenia, and His Radiance extends his thanks to all who assisted.


Sarr Treachery Evident in Attacks

The treachery of the sarr was quickly evident to the Returned Heroes as they traveled in Gravistam to fight the vampires.
Within minutes of arriving at the encampment, citizen Sarr Lasha and Ieukamariyn were slain by their monstrous cousins and had their citizen badges stolen. Both resurrected successfully.

Fortunately, His Grace Duke Frost recalled giving the two citizenship status, and their badges were replaced.

Duke Frost then decreed that a registry should be written of the sarr who are deemed citizens in case of similar instances in the future. Any sarr who have been given citizenship status by Duke Frost should see Cedric Fruvous to have their names added to this registry.

The following day, Baron Gravishtar and High Sheriff Harkan Irontail arrived in town, informing the adventurers that a sarr encampment had been discovered and needed to be removed. Baron Gravishtar and Lord Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik gathered the assembled Ashbans and led them in a magnificent battle to wipe out the sarr. The battle was a total success, with the sarr fighting in their usual chaotic and disorganized manner.

Also on Saturday, a sarr came into town claiming to be a farmer named Ofer. He stated that he had been forcibly race changed after leaving the tavern the night before. The clever spy had duped several adventurers, including Sir Eros, when a member of the Order of the Mark came to the rescue. He explained that the real Ofer was safe and sound on his farm and that the sarr was merely a spy trying to get himself citizenship status in order to continue his nefarious activities. This spy was arrested by the Order of the Mark and taken for trial.

In the evening, Sheriff Harkan arrived with news that an army of sarr was marching on the town. He, the ducal jester Sassafur, and Lord Jonathan led the Ashbans to meet them. The evil sarr were aided by large jungle cats such as lions and panthers. Again the foul sarr fought chaotically and were handily defeated by the brave Ashbans.

It was later reported that the home in which the Sheriff was staying while in Gravistam had been broken into and that various items were taken.  Guards posted outside the door had been murdered. Anyone with information is required to report.  The Order has reassured all citizens that arrests will be soon forthcoming.


Emperor Asks for Help in Ridding Synvia of Pirates

His Radiance Emperor Galantri has asked for assistance of the Returning Heroes in freeing the island of Synvia from the control of the evil undead pirates of the Vacarran Isles.

A ship has been chartered which will leave Dockside around midnight on the first of the Swan. All adventurers wishing to assist are to meet at the Pig ‘n’ Whistle Tavern on Canal Street.

The Vacarran Pirates (or, as they refer to themselves, “The Vacarran Corsairs”) were cursed by His Radiance over 300 years ago, but the curse went awry. The Emperor had planned to curse the pirates with death if they were ever to set sail, but instead the curse merely turns the pirates into undead when they are over water. This has actually worked to their advantage, as it permits them to travel long distances without need of food or water and also gives them extra powers against the ships they attack.

The Corsairs are run by “the Seven” — a ruthless band of cutthroats led by a dashing young man named Fardaniel. Calling himself “the King of the Waves,” Fardaniel rules the seas surrounding Icenia, causing untold attacks upon the kingdoms in the area.  He is known to travel with his constant companions Maggi, a fellow pirate known for her low cut and distracting bodice, and Cracky, a parrot scavenger.

Recent sightings indicate that they also have with them a woman who, unlike her fellows, does not appear to be undead.
The pirates have used minor undead as servants for many years but if reports indicate that they now have a far larger number of zombies than had previously been observed.  According to His Radiance’s advisors on healing magics, it is practically impossible to create that many zombies with ritual magic alone. Somehow, the pirates have learned another way to produce and master that many creatures.

The Vacarrans have previously kept mainly to their well fortressed islands, but within the past year have for some unknown reason ventured onto the nearby island of Synvia.

Synvia is a small island off South Point.  Although technically part of the barony of the Ash Forest, it became independent upon the Forest’s treasonous withdrawal from Icenia. The main residents of this island are various scavengers who trade among themselves and otherwise do not venture from the island much. Visitors to the island should be reminded that the scavengers of Synvia do not value coins much and prefer trade in items they can use, such as food, clothing, weapons, and magical items.

Synvia is run by a council of elders which tries to deal with the various and often contradictory desires of the races which live there. Speaker to the Council Shree J’ree of the skunk tribe does her best to keep peace and has visited Ashbury city in the past.

Other council leaders include J’set of the serpent tribe, Sholalric of the fox tribe, Kylie of the Raccoon tribe, and Georgin of the black bear tribe. There are many others who assist with the minor governmental duties that must be performed, including the captain of the guard, Matilda of the kangaroo tribe, who also acts as the island’s magistrate. It is not known if any of these people are alive or if they have become captives of the pirates.

Synvia has remained loyal to the Emperor, but when the pirates took over the island with their leagues of undead, travel and messages to and from the island stopped.

The Emperor’s forces have determined that the pirates have taken over much of the island, but it is unclear as to the current condition of the citizens who remain. Other reports indicate that the pirates have been searching the coastlines of Synvia, but there is no indication as to what it is they are searching for.


Baroness Talin Assumed Kidnapped by Wold

Since the return of the Heroes, there has been one that has not been heard of, with the exception of a small public posting:  Baroness Talin Gildenlily.

The post indicated that she had too traveled through time, and it was assumed that she was visiting the estates which she once ran in Blythedale;  however, Baron Bik stated that he has not seen her.

Information has been obtained from a Markie that the ex-Baroness is actually a prisoner in the Ash Forest, under the control of the Wold. If reports are true, she apparently has been tortured and is being brainwashed by the Amani Council under the instructions of ex-Ash Forest Baroness Glenduria and Council leader Gwindor.

It should be emphasized that these rumors have not been confirmed, but it certainly fits the pattern of actions by these treasonous elves.


Comments from His Grace

His Grace Duke Frost, a man of the people, often participates in discussions posted around the duchy. Here are a few excerpts from some of his recent postings, showing his inspiring words of wisdom:

I would like to thank all the Heroes Returned for answering the call to arms and for retrieving the book the vampires so desperately sought. This book should prove quite useful in the fight against the evil that is vapirism. Special note should be given to those who gave their lives to acquire and keep this book and to Shya Corak, whose firm resolve to not give the book to the vampire despite his atrocities provided a chance to rally and defeat him. Next time, I’m sure, he shall not be so lucky as to escape.

I apologize for Her Grace and myself not being able to be there in a more timely manner, as the vampire sent his legions against Baron Gravishtar’s manor house in unimaginable numbers. This kept us quite occupied until we were able to fight free and return to the area later Sunday night.

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Pointing out past deeds, good or bad, is best left to the bards and storytellers. It is a poor “hero” who feels the need to point out his own deeds or the deeds of his group. And it is certainly correct that deeds of arms do not make heroes. Consistent deeds of bravery and honor make heroes. There are also no heroes without humility. If you perform great deeds of arms or charity without humility, you are nothing but a self-serving braggart. If people thank you for your help, accept their thanks gratefully and humbly. If they do not, take heart in knowing you have helped others. To do otherwise makes you naught but a glory seeker. If you wish to be a braggart and a glory seeker, by all means do so, but do not expect the respect of the nobles of this land for doing so.

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It should be known that all petitions for ducal favor and citizenship in Ashbury must be presented to myself and no one else. I am the only one in Ashbury who may grant ducal favor, not Sir Eros and not Lord Sheriff Harkan.


Contributions Wanted

The Truth Committee isalways  accepting articles for the next edition of the Ashbury Prophet. We are looking for Letters to the Editor, Public Notices, gossip, and articles about what things your group has done.

We are also interested in any other information you may care to share with us, and will keep any confidences you wish to share in a most private manner. There are rewards for specific points of information, as you may be aware. Some of your fellow returning adventurers have already gathered some healthy additions to their income as well as magic items for thier cooperation with the Committee. Serve your country well by contributing what you know!

All submissions should be turned over to the Prophet’s Guild. Compensation will be provided for articles that are accepted for publication.