Chaos Rift Appears in Ashbury City

by Oliver Nirab
As expected, the holiday of All Hallows Eve caused all manner of unusual events in Ashbury, the most dangerous of which appears to have taken place in the capital city itself.

Late in the evening, a crack appeared in the ground in the center of the city. From the fissure spewed forth several creatures imbued with chaos, as well as a vast array of undead. Fortunately, several adventurers were about and immediately attacked the foul creatures, slaying them quickly.

At the same time as the creatures spewed forth, a strange black wall sprang up around Ashbury City. An experiment by visiting lord Find’rth T’Varian of Tarzaterranzan determined that living matter could not pass through the wall. Another result of the rift was that all Wards and Circles of Power in the city fell, including those in the Mage’s Guild and Healer’s Guild. Attempts to cast more Wards resulted in failure, and mages were not able to memorize Ward or Circle of Power spells from their spell books.

During the fighting of the first wave of chaos creatures, both Healer’s Guild member Lauroc Harrington and the adventurer Theron (also known as Flatdog) accidentally stepped on the crack and were sucked through. Apparently they each fell into the palm of an immense creature of chaos. The creature clenched its fist, and released them.

When it did, they were corrupted into creatures of chaos, and sent back to Ashbury separately to slay the people there. Though Flatdog was able to successfully assault the Sage’s Guild, he was ultimately stopped by Lord Find’rth and Gabriel Bruce. Lauroc too was defeated after a pitched battle. Both resurrected successfully, and were free of the taint when they did.

It was quickly learned that a cult had sprung up and was attempting to summon what they called the “Ancient One.” Some speculate that the crack was created by this cult, thus beginning the problem in the first place.

During the course of the night, creatures continued to spew forth from the rift, some attacking citizens outright, others controlling adventurers to attack other Ashbans. One such incident resulted in the death of the gypsy Dominic, who also successfully resurrected. In addition, several people began to exhibit very strange behavior. One such example was the fact that Ender Vull, a raccoon scavenger with the Glory Road, refused to venture into darkness. Another townsperson wore a blindfold during the day because he could not stand light.

The next day brought more dangers from the rift. Some citizens were compelled to travel into the rift, and had to be subdued by the adventurers.

Meanwhile, the elf Aeoun traveled to a nearby cave with his friends in order to help a local townsperson. While there, they found a large book with what appeared to be a skull on the front. When Aeoun touched the book, it was as though another being was controlling him. Using Aeoun, the book traveled to town, informing others that it had knowledge to share when the time was right, and urging others to touch the book. Many townsfolk were hesitant, given the fearsome appearance of the book, but it began to exert mental control over those nearby until several people had touched the book. After several townspeople had touched the book, it rifted out, and Aeoun became himself again.

A few hours before dusk, a group of adventurers attacked one of the headquarters of the Chaos Cult. They were able to recover a written plan of attack the cult had made. Apparently, certain timbers of some of the buildings in Ashbury had absorbed the essence of people who had been murdered. The Cult planned to use these timbers to aid in summoning what they called the Ancient One. The timbers were located in the Healer’s Guild, the Black Forest Manor House, the Jade Thorns Manor House and the visiting manor of House Ryujima.

According to the captured plans, the buildings would be attacked by undead at dusk. The intelligence proved to be true, and just before darkness fell completely, the undead attacked the various buildings. What happened at the manor of House Ryujima is unknown, but none of the attempts closer to the heart of the city were successful.

The rift began to spew forth more and more powerful creatures, including chaos elementals and vampires, and still no answers as to the nature of the rift were coming forth.

During the fighting, Flatdog again was sucked into the chaos crack. Some witnesses state that he actually vowed vengeance and jumped in of his own free will, while others state that he accidentally fell into it while fighting one of the chaos creatures. As had happened before, he returned in the visage of a chaos being and had to be killed to be cured. Unfortunately, he died permanently. Braveroar Stonehammer built a small stone memorial in the center of town, and his body was taken to the Black Forest manor house for later burial, though while most of the town was foraging for dinner, the manor house was broken into and Flatdog’s body was stolen.

Soon, the mysterious book returned to Aeoun. Not long afterwards, several adventurers vanished in the blink of an eye. At the same time, a black wall, similar to the one that surrounded the city, went up around the Dragon’s Flagon.

It took the remaining adventurers only a few minutes to realize that those who had disappeared were those who had touched the book.
The Ashbans taken appeared in the Dragon’s Flagon, and were told by the book, via Aeoun, some knowledge about the chaos crack.

According to the strange tome, long before the races of Fortannis ever existed, the pure essence of Chaos raged alone through the universe. It destroyed entire worlds and civilizations and twisted the very fabric of existence with its rage. In order to counter Chaos, Order in its purist form appeared to counter Chaos. The two raged for eons, destroying many worlds in their wake. Finally, the battle ended, and Order imprisoned Chaos. Order entrusted a group of mortals and their descendants to look over the prison of Chaos and keep it safe.

Thousands of years after Chaos was imprisoned, Chaos was able to test the boundaries of its prison, but was not able to escape on its own. One of the guardians, a young beacon of good named Saduje Profidis, was not content with guarding the prison from afar. This was the only flaw in an otherwise perfect guardian. Profidis traveled to see the head of the guardians to discuss his assignment. As he traveled, he began to hear a voice whispering in his ear. The closer Profidis got to his destination, the louder the voice became. The voice was telling him to ignore the hierarchy of the guardians and take the matter into his own hands. By the time Profidis had arrived to speak with the head of the order, he had fallen to the voice of Chaos and slew the Guardian releasing Chaos.

Upon its release, Chaos again began its rage against the worlds. Again Order arrived to fight Chaos, and again the grand battle raged.
Chaos was much stronger than it had been though, and Order was forced to sacrifice itself to imprison Chaos again. The survivors of the order of guardians again took the box Chaos was imprisoned within and guarded it. After this last part of the story, the book vanished and the wall around the Dragon’s Flagon disappeared as well.

The next day a figure appeared within the city. It appeared to be similar to the visage of Order that was shown in the book’s story. The adventurers of Ashbury quickly briefed the creature on the situation. It offered to cure the cases of madness caused by the chaos crack. It then rebuffed any offers from the Ashbans to help fight the chaos, and jumped into the crack. The figure of Order has not been seen since.

Later in the day, the location of the Cult of Chaos’ main headquarters was located in a warehouse on the outskirts of town. The Ashbans traveled there and found many of the cultists aided by creatures of chaos, including Flatdog, who had again been turned into a chaos being. Leading the cultists was what appeared to be the Chaos creature itself, though it appeared considerably smaller and weaker than it had in the story shown by the mysterious book.

The fighting was long and difficult. During the fight, the Chaos being was defeated and forced back into the box that had served as Chaos’ prison. Greysmere of the Black Forest quickly grabbed the prison and ran it outside so the minions of chaos could not again release the creature. The rest of the creatures and cultists were quickly slain after their leader was defeated.

The Ashbans traveled to the center of town, hoping that the crack would be gone since Chaos was again imprisoned, but it was still there. Fortunately, a scout sent to the edge of town found that the wall surrounding the city was gone, and ducal forces had surrounded the city.

The sages present, including Shya Corak, Lauroc Harrington and Cedric Fruvous, were unsure of what to do with the prison of Chaos. The only idea that surfaced was to throw it into the chaos crack, which was rather quickly dismissed.

At this point, what will be done about the crack is unknown, but His Grace Duke Frost has wisely ordered all Ashbury citizens to stay away from it, and has increased patrols in the area to deal with any further chaos monsters that come from the crack.

A month or so later, Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous performed a ritual which gave him clues as to how to close the rift. He informed His Grace of his discovery while the both of them were in Bartonsville, and Duke Frost put out the word that he wished for the prison to be turned over to him so that the rift could be closed at the earliest possibility and Shya Corak delivered the prison to His Grace, where it remains safely hidden.
.


Bartersville Construction to be Moved

by Talis Makolin

At Baron Morgasander’s request, several adventurers of Ashbury recently traveled to Bartersville. Before being pulled to Fortannis, Bartersville had been a thriving trade estate bordering the Duchy of Ravenholt. Since Ashbury’s transportation, however, Bartersville has bordered the Plains of Rage, and her new neighbors were not only a great deal less profitable, but less friendly as well.

Realizing the need to protect the region from hostile raiders, Baron Morgasander ordered construction to begin on a military fort. Unfortunately, the activity aroused the ire of the local orc clan, the Severed Heads. Many of the orcs that were attacking the area exhibited strange abilities, and many had mutated, growing claws that were usable in battle. In addition to the orcs, mounds of the earth itself would rise up and attack the citizens and construction crews. Half of the mound appeared rotted, while the other half seemed normal. The creature spewed forth chaos and healing abilities indiscriminately. In response Baron Morgasander announced that he would be present and requested all available adventurers to investigate.

Shortly after the adventurers arrived, several elves from Stormwood, led by one named Kylen, entered the town and explained that the earth itself was highly agitated because construction was taking place in the area. They warned that if construction did not cease, the earth would continue to strike back. Milo, the foreman of the construction operation, insisted that he was not engaging in land harming activities such as strip mining or cutting down vast amounts of lumber.

That night a group of orcs attacked the town, in conjunction with the mound of earth that rose from the ground. As the mound cut a swath through the adventurers, most could not affect it. It proved impervious to any weapons except magical ones, and even then only expert swordsmen could harm it. The only spells that proved effective against it were celestial invocation magics. As a result, defeating the creature was incredibly difficult, even with the assistance of Kylen and his group. Eventually, after a long hard battle, the orcs were defeated and the mound of earth had sunk back into the ground.

The next day, two men arrived in town, claiming that a similar situation had occurred in the estate of Bramblebush. They told the adventurers that the people of Bramblebush had begun to overcultivate the land for the herbs that funded their economy, and that the earth had fought back in the same way. According to these two men, an elf named Kekar was able to create a seal that cured the earth and stopped the earth creature from attacking. They claimed that as long as the construction was in line with nature after the earth was sealed, all would be well.

The men said that Kekar could fashion the seal but would need the precious metals of the earth in the form of 20 gold crowns, 30 silver nobles, and 40 copper commons. They informed the adventurers that they would return for the money later in the day. Though skeptical, Baronesses Talin and Glenduria determined that the money should be gathered, and that they would insist on an escort to ensure the safety of the money in case the men were merely thieves.

In quite a touching scene, nearly every adventurer who could give money did. Ashban and visitor alike dug deep into their pouches. Even those who had nearly no coin to their name humbly offered their few coppers.

Soon it became evident that there was a rift forming with Kylen’s elves. Alek, Kylen’s second in command, had gained a substantial following with the elven warriors by claiming that negotiation with the humans and orcs in the area was folly. Kylen believed that if it were explained properly, the humans would understand the situation and correct it. Kylen and Alek engaged in this argument in the center of town. Alek ended it by asserting that he had forces throughout the woods and he would order them to attack anyone they felt would harm the earth, human or orc. He then began to storm off. Baroness Glenduria told him he was under arrest for making such threats against the people of Ashbury and ordered him to return. He ignored her, and Lord Jonathan was forced to subdue him. Though his wounds were bound, somehow Alek was able to kill himself while prison arrangements were being made. It is believed he did this so that he would be seen as a martyr and thus gain more support for his fight against the humans and orcs among the elves. Kylen vowed that he would return to his elves and attempt to convince them to that violence was not the answer.

The men who claimed to be able to heal the earth returned after the swearing in ceremony of Baroness Talin. They were informed that a small group intended to watch the procedure. They immediately balked, claiming that Kekar would be frightened if an armed group marched upon him. When asked if they would agree to allow a single person to observe the procedure and safeguard the money they agreed, until they learned that the single individual who volunteered was Duke Frost. Once hearing that, they claimed that any escort would result in Kekar’s flight. Many who were skeptical before now became outright critical of the story the men were putting forth.

Finally, the men were introduced to Baron Morgasander and asked to explain the situation to him. After hearing the men out, Baron Morgasander informed them that he had heard of no such incident in the Nordenn estate of Bramblebush. When the men insisted that the story was true, Baron Morgasander suspected that they were no more then con men. His Excellency told them that if they weren’t willing to take any Ashbans to meet Kekar, then Ashbury was not interested.

Late that night, a badly wounded Alek limped into town. He explained that his group of scouts encountered an army of orcs marching towards the construction site. Unfortunately, many of the gathered adventurers had already retired for the evening, some to inns a distance from the town. Baroness Talin and Lord Jonathan, the only two nobles present at that time, began to prepare a defense of the area.

Throughout the course of the troubles, the high orc Noldrick was able to open a dialogue with a member of the Severed Head tribe. He was able to learn that there were two factions within the tribe, one that was able to somehow siphon powers from the earth mound and use it to attack the Bartersville construction crews, which explained the odd orc mutations. The other faction wanted nothing to do with the powers of the corrupted earth mound and refused to follow their brethren. Noldrick suggested to latter group that they lie low until the matter was resolved.

It was the former group of orcs that marched on the town, accompanied by the shambling mound of earth. The Ashbans immediately engaged and defeated the orcs. Unfortunately, the earth mound was another matter. With so many Ashbans retired for the night, only Cedric Fruvous, Scarn Whiteleaf and the visiting stone elf Caseopeous were able to affect the creature. Fortunately these three, with the healing and protectives of many other Ashbans, were able to defeat the creature, forcing it to again sink into the earth.

In the morning, the elf Kekar arrived, saying that he had heard there were two men using his name in order to extort money from innocent people. The Ashbans explained about the two con men, and the way that the earth was attacking the construction crews. Kekar explained that the earth was particularly sensitive in the area and that it was enraged at the construction in that particular place. Kekar explained that in order to show the earth that they intended no harm to the land. In order to show that, Kekar gave them several seeds and explained that they would have to be planted in the presence of the mound. He said that he only had some of the seeds. Fortunately, and adventurer named Wik had just acquired several more seeds from a wandering merchant. Kekar confirmed that they were the kind needed, and the seeds were distributed to the adventurers.

Scouts had informed the adventurers that another army of orcs was marching towards the town, following the earth mound. The Ashbans marched to meet the enemy force. Those with the seeds stepped to the front and began to bury the seeds in view of the earth creature.
The orcs took advantage of this and attacked the front lines. As the battle raged, Ashbans continued to plant the seeds. Once they were all planted, the rotted half of the earth creature changed, and appeared just like the other side.

At the same time as the earth mound was purified, the orcs paused and appeared confused. Some fled the battle field in confusion, other continued to fight. The mound continued to attack Ashbans, even after the orcs were defeated. As such, they were forced to beat the creature until it returned to the earth. The mound has not been seen since.

Baron Morgasander has ordered Milo to move the construction operation to another location which Kekar assures is not as sensitive. “I’m glad they were able to fix things,” Milo said, “but moving things is really going to kill our schedule.”


Duke Frost Honors Nobles

In a well attended ceremony in Bartersville, Duke Frost honored Lord Du’Gaul Darkfire McEwen, Lord Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik, and Baroness Talin Gildenlily by officially inducting them as nobles of Ashbury.

Surrounded at his table by Baroness Glenduria Goodberry and Baron Morgasander, as well as Sir Emery Memminger, the former Baron of Blythedale, and Sir Eros Clearbrook, Ducal Magistrate, Duke Frost held the ceremony. One by one, His Grace called forth Lord Jonathan, Lord Du’Gaul and Baroness Talin. He had each kneel before him and give their vows to Duke Frost, Ashbury, Icenia, and the King in their own words. Each was given a white belt which His Grace demands his nobles wear as a symbol of their station.

Additionally, Baroness Talin was inducted as the baron of Blythedale. Before the disappearance of all the adventurers of Ashbury in 601, she had held the position, but it had been given to Emery Memminger out of necessity after Talin vanished. Once the adventurers returned a few months ago, Sir Emery honorably stepped down as baron in order to allow Baroness Talin to return to her position.
Sir Emery has since become the seneschal for His Grace.

After the honors were completed, a grand celebratory feast prepared by Ciarrah was enjoyed, and Baron Morgasander gave gifts of weapons, armor, magical scrolls, potions, and gasses to the adventurers who traveled to Bartersville to thank them for aiding his lands.


Duke Requests Adventurers to Scout Enemies

In the years since Baron Radric took his armies into the mists and abandoned the people of Trellheim, the once prosperous barony has been overrun with bandits, trolls, undead, and warlords, each capturing small areas and expanding their borders, only to lose them again in various skirmishes.

At one time, Count Requin was able to take much of the area (called “Corrheim” by the people of Icenia) but his defeat left his generals to fight over command, and chaos once again erupted in the area.

One version of our future has Corrheim run by gnolls and renamed “Gravistam.” However, since this is now common knowledge, there are many who are attempting to prevent that from occurring, including the aforementioned warlords, trolls, undead and bandits.

The undead in the western portion of the barony are undoubtedly controlled by the vampire Morganna, who has held the estate of Bartleby for many years now.  The trolls are primarily led by Fangthorn’s general Bonescythe. Strange mutated goblins controlled by “the Mastermind” are also present, as are a group of gnolls who have been seen in the area recently. Three local warlords control the southern section of what was once the Blackbourne Compact, the strongest of whom pretentiously calls himself “Musgar the Mighty.”

His Grace Duke Frost has stated that there is a need for adventurers to scout out the area and ascertain the situation.  They will be provided with food and shelter and are allowed to keep any treasure that they may collect from the duchy’s enemies. Other supplies such as scrolls, potions, weapons, and armor may also be provided.

Those wishing to make a name for themselves should report to Bera’s Outpost on the northern border of the Ducal Fiefs where Woodwash meets Dover on Friday, the 24th of this month.


Trouble in Imladar

The humanoid hordes still surround the Elven nation of Imladar. No word from the leaders of this friendly nation has been heard for some time. Skirmishes near Ashbury’s borders have been observed by Ashban scouts between elven troops bearing the royal symbol of the golden phoenix and the Dur Namarie troops consisting of ogres, orcs and trolls. It is estimated that over 50,000 troops from Dur Namarie surround the capital city of Alacondras and that travel to or from Imladar is nearly impossible.


Message from the Magistrate:
Proper Noble Etiquette When in Ashbury Requires Bowing to Nobility

by Sir Eros Clearbrook

Although what I am to comment upon here seems to be so obvious as to not need stating, due to recent actions, I am forced to take this opportunity to explain to all in Ashbury that they are required to show proper and due respect to all Ashbury nobles at all times, which includes bowing upon their first entrance or when you wish to speak to them.

If Ashbury has a treaty with a foreign land and thus recognizes their government, then the foreign noble is treated with the respect of a noble in our lands appropriate to their station. A knight from a foreign land with which we have a treaty of recognition would still be required to bow before all nobles higher, just as an Ashban knight must bow to a baron or the Duke.

This does not mean that a foreign noble can issue orders, dispense justice, or otherwise act with the powers of an Ashban noble.

The foreign noble should expect the citizens of Ashbury to acknowledge him or her with bows as appropriate to his or her station, but if a commoner does not, the foreign noble’s only recourse is to seek a grievance with the nobles of this land who may then dispense justice on the commoner. To do otherwise would be to show disrespect to the hosting lands and possibly threaten war or a violation of the treaty.

I would question any foreign country that gives a noble title to someone who does not understand these basic concepts that are recognized by all who deal with places outside their own borders.

The issue comes to light because while in Bartersville, Ragnar refused to bow to Baroness Talin, claiming that as a noble of a foreign land, he was not required to do so. To his credit, he apologized and made amends later, but it was felt that I needed to address this to prevent future occurrences with anyone else.

The reason for this policy is to prevent every minor little warlord or tribal leader from coming to Ashbury and claiming to be a foreign noble who we all must bow before. Unless Ashbury or Icenia formally recognizes the country from which the person has the title, that person is a mere commoner in Ashbury.

Suppose a noble from Junjeq comes to Ashbury. We have no treaty with these lands so we are not obligated to bow or otherwise treat the visitor as a noble. However, we are also not at war with them, and under the laws of hospitality, the visitor should be given proper respect due to one of his or her station but without any requirement for bowing. The person under our laws would still be a commoner, but I am certain that His Grace would want all Ashbans to show the visitor our manners.

In a month or so, quite a few adventurers will be traveling north with King Kelanor of Trollsgate, with whom we have a treaty. When in Ashbury, he should be treated with the respect of a visiting noble, including bowing (despite the fact that King Kelanor doesn’t require this of his own people and seems uncomfortable when it is done to him). However, since this trip will take place outside of the borders of Ashbury, there is no requirement that this be followed. Still, I am certain that His Grace will be quite angry with any commoner who shows disrespect to King Kelanor as this may jeopardize any good relationships we have with the dwarven kingdom.

I hope this helps to clarify the law.


Sage's Guild Report

by Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous

As may or may not be known, Guildmistress Zatarina has taken a sabbatical from the Sage’s Guild. She has placed me in charge of the Guild in her stead.

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Jaquari Chiharu to Guildsman, and Aria Devonshire to Guardian. Both have given excellent service to the Guild and are very deserving of their promotions. I am also pleased to announce our newest apprentices: Trevor Dae, Kuwo Mushtee, Lauroc Harrington and Lizzy the Gypsy. I look forward to working with each of them.

In addition to research for hire and teaching, the Ashbury Sage’s Guild offers the following services: we buy and sell weapons, armor, alchemy, potions, traps, and many other goods. We are also looking to purchase protective and healing magical items as well as the following ritual scrolls: Circle of Power (preferably celestial), Investiture, Lore and Vision. We also offer the use of spell and alchemy books for a nominal fee. Any other business propositions should be brought to myself for consideration.

The Sage’s Guild usual business hours are Saturday from midday to midnight and Sunday from midday to dusk. Other arrangements can be made by appointment.


Letters and Public Postings

To the adventurers of Ashbury,

I wish to express my thanks on all of you for coming to my summons and aid in Bartersville during a cold, wet season, where I’m sure most of you would have rather have warmed yourselves near a hot fire. The people and the land thank you for coming to their aid. There is another summons for those novices wishing to make a name for themselves in lands that once belonged to Corrheim. May you rightly and justly win back our lands.

For Justice and Honor,
Baron Morgasander

...

Attention Good People of Ashbury!

His Grace, Duke Sir Frost and the Ducal Court are seeking a Herald. While being a member independent of the Ducal Court, the responsibilities of the position of Herald will entail announcing Court members, dignitaries, and other persons of import at official functions. The person taking the position of Herald, while not being a member of the Court itself, will be compensated by His Grace.
Those inquiring of the position of Herald to the Ducal Court should contact me by missive, or in person.

Sir Emery Memminger
Ducal Knight and Senechal to the Ducal Court and His Grace, Duke Sir Frost

...

People of Ashbury:

I know we went through quite a bit in the future and the current situation, though familiar to me as I remember a Chaos rift one time being placed in the middle of Ashbury, I would actually ask something of all of you.

Please do not make any jibes about Galantri. I’m not sure how Galen or Galantri (I’m sorry do not recall how to address you) of this proper time might take such comments and they may hurt. I for one am hoping that with our journey into the future we have cleared all of the hags influence from his spirit. I have listened to how well Baron Morgasander has defended him and hope all holds to be true and that Galen/Galantri is the fine upstanding member of Windwalkers that these days say he is.

I cannot order anyone to follow this but I would like people to consider this, at least think on it. How many of us sometimes need the benefit of the doubt.

One sword to keep others in their sheathes
Lord Jonathan Lornlyn Dragonhart Vardik

...

To whomever it concerns,

My past stay with all the good and interesting citizens of Ashbury was  great. I got to meet a lot of interesting people and catch up with people I haven’t seen since March.

Unfortunately I have had many problems with the group of people that I had arrived with. It seems that every time that I fell unconscious, they would rob me almost all of my alchemy and potions that I had spent my money on, and after attempting to reasonably talk to them and get them back, they refused. I would like to bring them up on charges of theft. I believe that Wik, Sudupta, and Bella are the ones responsible for the thievery, but I was unconscious, so I cannot be positive about all of my missing potions being taken by them. As for the trust that I had when I first met these people — it’s gone.

I am currently a free agent looking for a new group to hang out with that will be supportive and not steal the little amount of wealth I attain. I’m quick on my feet, hard to hit, cast a small amount of Earth Magics, and can use alchemy. If interested in attaining a new member, send a letter to me.

Anodyne

...

Adventurers of Ashbury:

I advise caution and discretion when dealing with the orc clans around the lands of Bartersville, and any other you encounter. It is not always clear to see whether you deal with an orc or a high orc. Bear in mind that if they are high orcs, they are of just as much a citizen race as you. Know also that many clans are home to both orc and high orc, and so far as I know, being in the company of a noncitizen race does not disqualify one’s own citizen status.

Regarding those orcs we came in contact with in Bartersville, be wary of those of the Severed Head. While most who will claim this clan are those who blindly followed the Tainted Earth for power and would hold hostility toward you, there are members of that clan who did not take part. I will try to contact a spokesman among them to advise them the merits of discarding the name of Severed Head, however there may be some honorable high orcs of their ranks who will still bear that name.

I urge you all not to take hostile action against these; there is yet much conflict between the Baron’s people and the orc clans. I hope to prevent what bloodshed I can by speaking with those who split from the Severed Head.

Noldrik Tanar

...

For those of you not aware, the warrior known as Flatdog suffered his permanent death. He was a great man who served on the Glory Road and the Black Forest Mercenary Company. He was a master smith who loved to be with his friends and defend the average citizen from the evils of the lands. We are also looking for the bastard who took his body. Any information will be appreciated.

Greyesmere Orithalcum,
Black Forest Mercenary Company

...

We have all suffered an intolerable loss in the passing of Theron. He was like a brother to me, and taught me all I know about the arts of Blacksmithing. I will put these skills to use on the mighty forge that he had once set his hammer upon. Know that the flame in my heart burns just as brightly as the ones used to shape our weapons. I will not rest until the criminal that desecrated my best friend’s body to chaos is brought to justice! I may not be very skilled with my blade now, but I will devote all my training and hard work to become stronger and avenge this horrible act. The spirit of Flatdog is now within all of us, let us be guided by his strong will and determination.

Rest In Peace my friend, I will never forget you. I will make sure that your name lives on and is respected as one of honor, bravery, strength, courage, and selflessness.

Braveroar Stonehammer


Obituary

Theron “Flatdog” Dragonstarr Wyndancer Soulsfire was born in Tower Hills Citadel twenty summers ago and raised as an orphan. Throughout his short life he became a master in the art of weapon- and armorsmithing. He was a generous man who frequently traveled the mists to lend aid wherever it was needed. He was the adopted son of Glorianna Wyndancer, the Squire to Lord Knight Ragnar, and the loving husband to Lira Soulsfire. During his life he struggled to uphold the Code of Chivalry and always tried to do what he felt was good and true. He apprenticed the dwarven warrior Braveroar Stonehammer and taught him the art of blacksmithing. He traveled with Glory Road, Star Brigade and finally became a member of the Black Forest Mercenary Company. He wore the colors of Mud and Blood with pride, and he loved his family very much. His life was taken when he was sucked into a ‘chaos crack’ last month in Ashbury. Due to the fact that his permanently dead body was stolen there was no burial service. Lira, his wife, is accepting any tokens you wish to leave at his memorial.

Written by the loving hand of Lira Soulsfire,Widow to the deceased.


A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D’Onym

Let’s see, what’s the latest News They Don’t Want You To Know?

There was a bit of a stir when Roden the barbarian challenged Greysmere to honor combat. Apparently the chaos crack in town caused several people to act strangely including Roden’s betrothed. Greysmere beat her into the ground instead of rendering her unconscious without hurting her and this greatly angered Roden. When the situation was over, Roden challenged Greysmere to a fight. Greysmere promptly defeated him, and Roden apologized. The barbarian also said that humans didn’t understand honor, which greatly angered Perwin, who had a few angry words of retort. Roden offered to fight Perwin over it as well, but the baker only responded that he would not fight a man over a difference of opinion.

Roden’s betrothed, by the way, sent me this nice little message: Greysmere Orithalcum asked my hand in marriage, and I accepted. Would it be possible to put a small announcement for our wedding in the paper? We intend to wed this Spring in Moria, but as a native of Ashbury I’m sure Greysmere would want an announcement made there as well. I, of course, am happy to oblige by mentioning this in my column. Too bad she didn’t tell me her name...

Speaking of love, Lord Jonathan Dragonhart has announced that he will be marrying the gypsy Kheritana Pretera Runeweaver. (Wait a minute, didn’t I report this over three years ago, in September of 599? Talk about your long engagements!) Kheritana was of course convicted of conspiracy for her part in covering up Dominic’s casting of necromancy which prevents her from ever being a noble. That apparently doesn’t bother Jonathan.

Kheritana’s fellow gypsies at the Gypsy Curse tavern in Bartersville apparently enjoy having fun at the gaji’s expense. A poker game between the gypsies and some adventurers wasn’t going all that well and then the gypsies placed the deed to the tavern on the table, which they promptly lost. No problem! There are plenty more deeds to the tavern where that one came from. The gypsies should have known better in any event than to play poker against Symmerille the stone elf.

Things are looking, well, weird for Glantri. Half the adventurers in town won’t have anything to do with him, and when he suddenly got up and left when Lhasa and Kuwo started playing drums at the Gypsy’s Curse tavern in Bartonsville, it did not escape the notice of Gabriel and Lord Du’Gual. Still, he says everything is different now. We shall see.

As if the Black Forest Mercenary group isn’t distrusted by nobles enough, Ragnar’s recent actions didn’t help matters much. He threw a hissy fit when Baroness Talin refused to take a magic sword away from Darlassia and give it to Ragnar to use for a fight. Ragnar also refused to bow to her, for which I am told he was fined and given a stern lecture by Baron Morgasander and Sir Emery.

Then when money was needed for creating a seal to stop the earth creature (before everyone knew it was just a con), all citizens came up with all they could spare, even new adventurers who barely had two coppers to rub together. Well, all except the Black Forest and the Glory Road. They were convienently elsewhere when it came time to cough up some money to help the town.

There was also a “secret” meeting with the nobles and Duke Frost about this group’s reputation and the problems it is causing in the Mage’s and Healer’s Guild. Apparently some commoners are refusing to go to either guild since both Saja and Shya wear the colors of Mud and Blood.

A man calling himself Dicrez was discussing with a number of adventurers his opinions on the difference between good and bad chaos. The idea that there was something as “good chaos” so angered Aaeun that he webbed the stranger, saying he intended to kill him for saying such a thing. All was eventually calmed and Dicrez spent much time talking to Lauroc.

Another theorist named Koj “the wandering sage” also recently passed through town sharing his ideas on “balance.”  He is rumored to be working on a theory on a three-way balance between chaos, earth, and celestial magics.

And nervous scholar Terrance Rigby shared his findings about the gnoll prophecy with local adventurers recently. I am sure he now has a big target on his back that says “Hey gnolls! Come and get me!”

I must say that it is wonderful having all you adventurers back again. Gossip about the local miller just isn’t as interesting as gossip about the high and powerful. So send your contributions to me anonymously (right, Cedric?) and I’ll be glad to work them in! Until next month, remember — If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.


Public Notices

VOLUNTEER!  Any members of the Ducal forces or any adventurers are eligible to volunteer for a position amongst the decorated ranks of the Windwalkers. It is a dangerous and difficult task, and to qualify you must pass strenuous physical and mental tests, and show capable battle prowess. If you are interested, please contact Lieutenant Glantri.

AALACK of Stormwood: Diplomacy sometimes outshines the arrow. If you ever require aid or just need to talk, contact me. Drakonios DarkTalon.

LOOKING FOR Vision and Lore ritual scrolls. Seek the Purple Wizard.

INFORMATION WANTED. If anyone has any information regarding the location of the fire cloud known both as Penthantos’ Gaffe and Ator’s Gaffe, please send information to Cedric Fruvous, care of the Ashbury Sage’s Guild.

TEN GOLD REWARD for the capture of convicted Necromancer Bok’Rok, described as a high orc with one tusk, operating out of the Ashbury City area. See the Sheriff.

ARMOR AND WEAPONS made to order. Smithing for Nobles and Common alike! Place orders in the Tavern, ask for Llyweilun.

TO THE CITIZENS of Ashbury who aided my house with our small pantherghast infestation, you have our thanks. - Lord Find’rth T’Varian of House Ryujima.

LOTELAURE: Congratulations. I hope you know what you are getting yourself into. - Drakonios DarkTalon

REWARD FOR INFORMATION. Help put criminals where they belong. All sources kept confidential, all rewards distributed quietly. You have my word as a noble to His Grace. See Lord Magistrate Eros for details. Reward relative to worth of information.

LOOKING TO SELL OR TRADE three powerful magic items from the lands of Moria. Each is permanent and contains four useful and legal spell effects. They do not work when taken out of Moria and through the mists. Looking to trade for gold, ritual scrolls, ritual components or other magic items. Any scrolls, components or items must be usable and legal in Ashbury. Lord Find’rth T’Varian of Tarzaterranzan.

ASHBURY SAGE’S GUILD! More than just reading! We also buy and sell weapons, armor, potions, alchemy, and offer the teaching of skills.

ATOR: Where were you? I was looking forward to seeing you. I had to redistribute your share of good-natured abuse amongst other, less deserving targets. Drak.

ALCHEMISTS: Join an organization to help train and supply your needs. Contact Ikmoqs or Jorge at The Cove.