Emperor Glantri was present when, as he foretold, the adventurers of Ashbury from The Disappearance emerged from the mists to a time ten years in their future.

The Ashban adventurers who appeared had to accept a number of changes that had occurred within the last ten years, from new nobles to a new country.

The surprises fell one after another:  First, they discovered that ten years had passed while they were in the mists fighting Black Annis. Then they learned that Sir Frost had been named Duke and had named new nobles for the baronies. Next, they learned of the sarr’s treachery and dishonesty and of the brave gnolls who defended the citizens of Ashbury, and how the gnoll sheriff was appointed.

Some Ashbans realized afterwards that all of this had been prophesized by the Devorra and other Galanthians long before the adventurers even entered the mist, but that none had taken the prohecies seriously. “I mean, a gnoll sheriff!” said one increduously. “Who would have taken that with more than a grain of salt?”

The adventurers then learned of how the Wold had closed the borders of the Ash Forest and had committed treason against the good people of Ashbury, and how Morgasander had been corrupted by the Crix into an evil nemesis who works with trolls to kill our own citizens.

Duke Frost and His Radiance have done his best to be understanding to those who have had to adjust to these changes in such a short time. His Grace has issued identifying badges to the sarr adventurers who returned which will protect them and give them safety in Ashbury, unlike their animal cousins. (Of course, since we are talking about sarr, some have already begun attempting to counterfeit the badges and some other sarr have been known to be planning on attacking the sarr with the badges and steal them since there is no honor among sarr.)

Some adventurers, like the ex-Amani ranger known as Scarn, did not handle the changes as well and had to be punished by imprisonment. However, in the magnificent wisdom of His Radiance, Scarn was pardoned for his words and allowed complete freedom to travel the lands.

His Radiance has welcomed all returning adventurers and has issued the following proclamation:

To the Returning Heroes of Ashbury,

Welcome home to all.  You have been gone a long time, and much has changed. You may need time to become accustomed to the way things are now, but I’m sure in time, you will see that things are much the same, and in many cases better than they were when you left those ten years ago.  Your return means much to us all, and does this Empire’s spirit well.

As always, Ashbury has had enemies, and will perhaps never be in a state of true peace. Your return coincides with one of these moments of peril I speak of.  Vampires formerly from Galanthia (before I expelled them for the villainous necromantic creatures they are) have been reported in great numbers amassing and causing problems in the Barony of Gravishtam.  The greatest numbers of reports have been coming from the Estate of Targan’s Paw.

As such, I request that all able bodied adventurers report to this estate on the (days month) and meet with Duke Frost and myself to combat this evil.  It will be a good opportunity for us to become more familiar with each other, in the course of serving this empire we all love. I look forward to seeing you there.  Prepare for cold and battle, nothing you are unaccustomed to I am sure.

His Radiance
Emperor Glantri

To help welcome the adventurers back, His Radiance has agreed to allow the republication of the Ashbury Times newspaper that was originally issued ten years ago.

A recent attack upon a caravan of medical supplies and healing potions was believed to be the work of Morgessander and his group of insurrectionists.

The Caravan consisted of six guarded wagons, mostly full of donated materials. They were traveling to the Military District of the Ash Forest, when they were attacked. The assailants were mostly cloaked figures, although a few of them were identified as elves. The attack was during daylight hours, so any troll support was ruled out in the attack.

The wagons were all destroyed in the attack, and all the supplies were seized or ruined.  Six guards, a healer, and four commoners were forced to resurrect.  One Guard, Marcus Redding, permanently died defending the caravan. Guardsman Marcus leaves behind a grieving wife and two children.

Our beloved Emperor, having wisely declared necromancy and necromantic creatures illegal in Galanthia, has determined that it is time to put an end to the vampire menace. These creatures, which had once served the less enlightened emperors of the past have been plaguing the Barony of Gravishtam.

They seem to be led by the former general of the Galanthian armies, one Matros Feratu Lochaber, a vampire of no small power. As any Galanthian knows, the Lochaber Clan was once a prominent part of Galanthian society, but is now outcast as is right and good. It seems the Lochabers are less than happy with this arrangement.

The citizens of Gravishtam, and especially the estate of Targan’s Paw, have been victimized by these horrid leeches for much too long. Innocent gnoll children have been disappearing and also ressurecting. The Baron of Gravishtam has asked for aid in this highly important manner.

Please join the Ashbury Prophet  in wishing His Radiance, His Grace and those that accompany them the best of luck in putting this horrible blight upon our lands to rest.

Commoner John Smidere was tried and convicted for treason against the Empire. He was found guilty of printing treasons materials with the intention of spreading them in order to incite a revolution attempt and create havoc.  He will receive one death for his crime.

Former Towns Guardsman Ellio Weiss was tried and convicted for sedition, desertion of his post, and necromancy. He will be obliterated for his crimes against the Empire and his fellow citizens.

Earth Caster Tira Millay has was tried and convicted for the second time for the use of necromancy.  For this she will receive an obliteration and banishment from the Empire if she does not permanently die, with the threat of obliteration upon her return.

Adventurers Summar Quent and Emily Vola were tried and convicted for conspiracy to murder a member of the Truth Committee.  They will each receive one death for their crimes.

Noted Adventurer Sase Tellia was tried convicted for assault against a Deputy of Ashbury.  He was defending a sarr that the deputy was attempting to dispatch.  He was sentenced to one year in prison.

Since the Return of the Heroes, there have been a number of public posts on the changes that have taken place. With approval of the Truth Committee, here is a sampling of some of those posts:

Ashbans:

Some have said that what I ask is treason. I call for free thought. If you think them to be the same, this is not for you.

You have been told that Morgasander is a villain. What have you seen? He has always been a hero, and the trolls he aligns himself with now are not like their evil brethren.

You have been told that there is a taint among the elves and that they are evil. I know that Zalinarik leads the council, and that ten years makes little difference in the eyes of a Dragon. Frost, you may not want to anger him.

Citizens, be observant. Watch what happens. Actions and history count for more than one afternoon’s words. The books of sages have been burned, why? Were there “treasonous” words in them? If so, should we not be allowed to see them as treason for ourselves? If freedom of thought and of opinion is a crime, then there just may be a death sentence for us all.

Some have called for a time of adjustment. These citizens are mistaken. Be careful about what it is that you are asking people to adjust to. You may just realize one day that you have forgotten what it is to be heroes.

Tacitus

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People of Ashbury,

Just a few observations about the words of the traitor known as Tacitus. His words are full of mistruths and he knows little of what he speaks. I will address several of this inconsistencies.

Morgasander was not only one of my barons, but a good friend of mine before he was lost to The Crix. Many of you experienced the power and death of this entity. Morgasander was lost to us for quite some time, and when he returned, if it is indeed him, he led trolls to attack our lands. I cannot say what changes being lost in the Crix had upon my former friend, but I know what I have seen. He leads troll forces that have always been hostile to Ashbury against us once again. I knew Morgasander better than most if not all of you, and it saddens me deeply to have to fight against him. But I don’t let my friend's former bravery and honor cloud my judgment.

The Wold has closed itself off from Ashbury, their reasons unknown to myself. This saddens my heart and I would have them return to us. No one has said they are “tainted,” but they have made themselves enemies of the state. If their representatives wish to talk to myself or His Radiance, we would surely be glad to speak with them. In addition, anyone who has even the slightest knowledge of Ashban history or politics knows that Zalinarik is an Elven Dragon Mage, not a dragon. Quite a difference. Perhaps you should learn some rudimentary facts before you put quill to parchment. Ten years is not long for a biata either. I’ve remained a faithful knight to Icenia for a dozen years and to Evendarr for a decade before that. I will anger any and all who are enemies to my duchy, be they dragon mage, dragon or anonymous fool. I put my duty and my lands before my own life.

People of Ashbury, cowards who are afraid to die for what they believe in hide behind anonymous postings. Heroes stand up for what they believe in against all odds. I stood with Good Duke Aramis and died with him at his final death. I died fighting the Crix. I do not hide behind anonymity, but stand forthright for the people of Ashbury.

And in the end, it is I who ask you to take the time and learn the truth of your new, yet old, lands. I offer you answers and aid in reclaiming a land that once belonged to you, the Heroes of Ashbury. This anonymous blitherer spurs you on to fight against the proper and just government of a land you have not seen in ten years and have yet to come and understand.

In Service to Ashbury,
Duke Sir Frost Vardik
Thou shalt fight evil without cessation

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Ashbans:

When Duke Frost and Duchess Dara were new to our lands there were many disagreements between them and the citizenry, But as true heroes, they stayed to defend the lands countless times. I know personally Duke Frost has saved my life countless times against very powerful foes. Duchess Dara has healed and aided Ashban citizens time and time again in battles.

These are people we know from our own time. We should be grateful that the ravages that may have transpired in ten years has left us with anyone we know to guide us threw this time. I went away for a year only to come back and see that half the town was populated with new faces.

All but Zatarina were different from the time I first started my career in these lands as the Sheriff. I ask you all to be patient and take the time to learn all things.

New beginnings may lend towards new paths. Give this future a chance I say.

One Sword to Keep Others in Their Sheathes
Lord Jonathan Lornlyn Dragonheart Vardik

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Citizens of Ashbury,

For those of us who stood together against the tide of Chaos to make our home in Ashbury a safe place for our loved ones and families, it saddens me to see the chaos we have all fallen into. Do not allow the unity we forged in the fight against Pansalore and Annis be lost. Fight against the culture shock and at the very least allow your hearts and minds be open to this future/present. Fighting what is, without the facts, does no one any good.

The Ducal court that has presented itself to you might be unfamiliar to some, certainly a shock to many, but they are your nobility. They are afforded the respect of any whom would dedicate their lives to follow the Code of Chivalry. I once walked this path under Olin Redbeard, and until you yourself try to live by the ideals of the Code, you have no right to criticize it. Duke Frost has served these lands as a Knight of Evendarr since before most of you even knew of Ashbury. I do not believe that Sir Eros would swear oaths to him if he were not a noble man.

Please do not divide yourselves out of fear or misunderstanding. Let knowledge of this ‘new’ world serve you before you react out of ignorance. Listen to the words of Lord Jonathan, he too has served Ashbury since long before the Maw took us from Tyrra.

For those of you out there threatening the life of Yalenus on behalf of his actions involving Pansalore and myself, I implore you to stop. Not once have I suggested that I wish this man to die for his actions. For whatever anger I feel, that does not condone murder. No one has any right to extract revenge in my name, for you tarnish my honor in doing so. Put this matter to rest now.
Perhaps I too have reacted in haste to our new situation, but I have made my decision out of duty. In our time (for I do not believe any of we ‘returning heroes’ can yet call this present our time yet) the Amani Rangers served as the elite military forces of the Ash Forest. As I have received no word of being dismissed from this military, I still consider myself a soldier. If my land has broken from Ashbury, then my honor is bound to follow. This is why I turned myself in to the current Nobility and now sit in jail, because as a loyal citizen of Ashbury in my time and former Squire of Nordenn, I respect the laws and political structure. I can only hope this action shows the forces of the Empire that I am honorable and do not wish to make war upon the people of Ashbury. I am sure the Order of the Mark understands the duties of a soldier.

I beg this of all of you. Continue to serve Ashbury as faithfully as you have in our time. The warriors of Ashbury have stood time and time again as a force of justice and order against the tides of evil that always seem to flow over us. Change is a natural part of life, not one of us should fear it. I will remain saddened by any words of discord that are brought to me by my friends.

Scarn Whiteleaf

(Editor’s Note:  Scarn was pardoned soon after posting this missive)

Within the span of just a few weeks, major changes have affected the people of Ashbury.

A Confession and a Resignation

An investigation by Sir Eros had determined that Gilwing of the Ash Forest was a prime suspect in the murder of the carnival worker a few months earlier.  Under questioning, Gilwing admitted that he was aware of who had performed the murder. He was able to produce a letter from Cormack the kiergani in which Cormack confessed to the crime, taking the law into his own hands to punish the carnival worker for cheating.  (Obviously, there is a reward for Cormack’s capture.)

The fact that Gilwing was aware of this and did nothing meant that he was found guilty of Conspiracy, and since Gilwing is a noble from another land, Sir Eros ordered him to be deported back to his lands to face punishment from King Kelanor. He was also ordered to remove the Ash Forest tabard he was wearing and to never associate with a noble court again.

This decision did not sit well with Baron Agnar who then resigned his title. Sir Morgasander tried to convince him not to do that, but once Agnar stated that he did not intend on following the Code of Chivalry, Sir Morgasander also removed his right to be known as a Lord.

Adventurers Disappear

The next day, a large group of adventurers from Ashbury went to fight Black Annis by traveling through the mists to her lair.
The adventurers had with them many (but not all) of the Rhi Artan stones that were apparently keyed to defeating Black Annis. Because of the murder of the carnival worker a few months ago, the largest and most important stone was unrecovered and this may have had an effect on the adventurer’s quest.

In any event, no sign has been seen of the adventurers since that day. To make the mystery even greater, the mists which usually allow travel to other parts of Fortannis have stopped working and no one has been able to enter or leave Tar’Navaria since that day. Other adventurers around the duchy who did not accompany these adventurers into the mists are also missing.

Apparently, the only adventurers who did not disappear were the ones who were fighting Black Annis’ minions at the time in a major skirmish just outside of town. These  included Sir Morgasander, Sir Eros, and Sir Frost.

This disappearance has worried all who fear for the safety of Ashbury, and the pulling of support from the biata has made the situation worse.

Biata Pull Support

To make matters worse, the biata removed their support of Ashbury shortly after the disappearance over the controversy surrounding a magical sword called “Slavetamer” that the nobles of Ashbury had promised to turn over to them to destroy years earlier.

The biata discovered that the sword, instead of being lost in the mists as they had been informed, had actually been secretly used by members of the Court of the Ash Forest for over four years. The sword, which was covered in biata runes and which was used to enslave biata in earlier years, was an insult to this proud race. When an envoy was sent to Ashbury a few weeks before the disappearance, he was rebuffed when he asked to have the sword turned over as promised.  The biata leaders felt that if the nobles of Ashbury could not keep their word—and if they were more concerned with magic and powers than good relations with the races of Ashbury—then they did not deserve to have their support.

Biata elder Xapano Corak made one last attempt to preserve the peace by approaching the remaining nobles in Ashbury and was told that the sword had disappeared with the heroes into the mists, to which he replied “I have heard that story before.”

The biata, which make up a fairly large percentage of the population of Ashbury, withdrew their forces, and most have retreated to their hidden underground lairs.

Frost Named Duke

Within a week, King Gareth had decided to appoint a new Duke, and settled upon Sir Frost Vardik. Sir Frost is a biata who had been a noble for over ten years, previously in the long-lost Duchy of Niman. Sir Frost had fought by the King’s side for the past few years and His Majesty had seen his bravery and noble qualities and thus appointed him to be the new Duke.

The fact that Sir Frost is from the Ashban’s original home of Tyrra was thought to be an important part of the King’s decision, as it reinforced continuity to a populace who was worried about what the future would bring with the best and bravest adventurers of Ashbury gone forever. Further, it is thought that this was also seen as a way to placate the biata into returning into the fold and once more providing the support that the duchy needed.  However, no support has been forthcoming.

Duke Frost then named his wife, Lady Dara, as Duchess and named Dame Glenduria Goodberry as Baroness of the Ash Forest.  Baroness Glen is a member of the Wold and had served as a Paladin under Duke Aramis for the past few years. This appointment was met with general acceptance from most elves.

by Oliver Nirab

On the Friday eve of the All Hollow’s Eve gathering, the Genhorde Panselore attacked the capital of Ashbury with a large force of Darklings. He proclaimed himself the new duke of Ashbury, and had several citizens who opposed him struck down by his minions.

Soon, all of Ashbury’s adventurers had take refuge behind their wards or circles. Panselore declared that undead were now to be considered full citizens of Ashbury, and therefore protected under the laws. With that he appointed his “barons,” all undead beings.

The creature known as Panselore had not been seen in Ashbury in many years, and no one was aware of where he had been during that time. Apparently, he had been in the realm of the Darklings and had obtained certain powers from them, as well as some sort of leadership role among them. He had always claimed that he was the rightful ruler of Ashbury for some reason, and upon this latest return, he continued in this belief.

He forced several citizens to bow to him and his “nobles,” and charged those who did not with treason. Lord Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik, one of those who refused to bow, said “I will not dishonor the memory of Aramis, Bryan, Mara or any of those who came before them by bowing to that thing.” Panselore left that night, but vowed that he would be back to hold trials for those who refused to bow.

Glorianna Wyndancer, the highest-ranking Healer’s Guild member in town at the time, announced a meeting in the Healer’s Guild at midnight to discuss the situation. First however, several of those who could read adjourned to the Sage’s Guild to research both Panselore and the Darklings and learn what they could.

At the Healer’s Guild meeting, Glorianna said she had been contacted by the voice of someone who refused to identify himself, but assured her that he would assist in the struggle against Panselore. He also told her that there was a rip nearby that was powering his Darklings, and would have to be closed before they could be defeated. She then called on Cedric Fruvous, the senior most member of the Sage’s Guild present, to reveal what was learned.

He explained that Panselore had attacked Ashbury in Duke Bryan’s time with exactly the same tactics and motives, but he was not allied with the Darklings at that time. Many had heard the rumor that Panselore had gained Darkling abilities in addition to his own considerable power.

It was further learned that the Key of Shadows, an artifact used to defeat the Darklings last time they attacked, would be of extreme use against them. Cedric also revealed that the last time Panselore had claimed the ducal throne, he bested nearly all the Ashbans present and was only chased out by the Ducal army marching towards the city.

At some point the next day, the Ashbans were able to acquire the key. On Saturday night, the fey Silva returned to town, telling the Ashbans that he knew where the rip that powered Panselore was. When asked why the people of Ashbury should trust him after his previous deception, Silva replied “then don’t believe me, I don’t care. It’s your town.”

The Ashbans grudgingly decided to follow the fey to the rip, but several of the citizens were preoccupied with a “hottie contest” being run by Calis and refused to go. In spite of this, many brave citizens went and fought the Darklings that guarded the rip. During the intense fighting, Scarn Whiteleaf, wielding the Key of Shadows, made his way to the rip and closed it, severely weakening the Darklings present and allowing the Ashbans to kill every one of the creatures present.

Almost immediately after the rip was closed, Panselore came back to town to punish those who hadn’t bowed to him and demanding to know who closed the rift. In expectation of Panselore’s return, several citizens, including Scarn, hid in the woods. Several Ashbans refused to identify who closed the rift.

For some reason, Panselore singled out Yalenus Veler and demanded of him who closed the rift. Yalenus initially refused to answer, but became convinced that Panselore would begin slaughtering citizens wantonly and finally named Scarn. He defended his actions, saying “I will admit, it was primarily to save my own life. I had already angered the so-called ‘Baron of Blythedale’ by hurling a Harm Undead at him, not realizing that it had as bout as much hope of affecting him as a Cure Light would do against a liche. And as for the good of the town. Pansalore's original orders were for all found in he woods to be killed. So by giving them someone to focus on, it did some infinitesimally minute amount of good.”

Panselore ordered both his undead and the living citizens of Ashbury to search the woods for Scarn, and gave orders to kill anyone else found hiding. “If they are hiding they are guilty of something and they know it,” he said.

Though some citizens were caught and killed, many others (including Scarn) were not discovered. Also during this time the man known as Galen slew the undead “Baron of Blythedale” in one of Ashbury’s brave attempts to fight back.

The battles against Panselore and his minions looked like they would never end, but within a week  after the adventurers had disappeared into the mists, a group led by Sir Frost and Sir Morgasander were able to drive away Panselore and his minions. The foul undead  have not been seen since.

by Oliver Nirab

During the weekend of the Tournament, a cemetery caretaker named Gregory reported to Baroness Talin of Blythedale that he witnessed the vampire Morganna raising several undead. Before Gregory fled, Morganna told him that the undead were a gift to the vampire Auhman. Travelers to Moria will be fully familiar with Auhman and his evil actions against the citizens there.

Baroness Talin led a force of to face these monstrosities even though the Ashbans were outnumbered nearly two to one. In spite of the odds the Ashbans handily defeated the creatures. One of the brave combatants, Maple Rosengarten commented “It was a pretty lame gift.” Though Morganna wasn’t with the undead, they were led by a powerful and intelligent undead who confirmed that he was serving the dread vampire. This leader was slain by Taji and Lord Find’rth of Shokan Ryujima.

Morganna’s “gift” proved to be little more than a distraction, however. While most of Ashbury’s warriors were out fighting the undead, Auhman himself entered the heart of the city with a handful of minions. He was able to bite and infect Yalenus Veler, Glorianna Wyndancer and Guildmistress Shya Corak.

This foul being was also able to capture a member of Clan Harrington named Louroc and render him unconscious within the circle. Using his control over them he gained access to the Healer’s Guild Circle, and ordered Shya to invest him into it. Fortunately, she lacked the primary component and scroll for the ritual.

Around this time the group led by Baroness Talin returned to the city, and quickly realized the situation. But with the only invested members of the Circle under Auhman’s control or unconscious, the Ashbans could do little to stop Auhman. The foul vampire stated that he had Greywolf in the guild and that he would kill him, as well as Shya and Glorianna, if the townsfolk did not turn over an investiture scroll and component. He even used his power to force Shya and Glorianna to beg the townsfolk to comply, but the townsfolk refused, stating that they new that the two women would never make such requests if they were in their right minds.

As Glorianna was talking, Louroc, who was invested in the circle, awoke and escaped the circle. He quickly began investing Ashbans in, and Auhman’s minions were quickly defeated. The vampire himself went into gaseous form and escaped. It was learned that Greywolf wasn’t even in the building, but three Ashbury’s citizens remained infected with this evil creature’s bite for 28 days.

One complication concerned Yalenis who cast necromancy while under the control of the vampire. He was tried by Sir Eros and was defended by Glorianna. Yalenis admitted that he was not specifically ordered to cast necromancy, and so he was found guilty and sentenced to a death, which he accepted without complaint.

"Crix" Monster Attacks Continue

A strange black cloud that has been ravaging the countryside continues to attack. None have been able to defeat or even injure the cloud, and it has caused many hundreds of resurrections, dozens of those even among the adventuring community.

Though information is scant on this phenomenon,  some is available. Apparently parts of the cloud break off and attack people, taking them back to the main body to be somehow engulfed by the entity.

When the victims resurrect, they often have forgotten skills they previously had as though they had used them already, such as spells and racial abilities. It appears that the creature is able to feed off of these abilities to use them later against its foes.

The man who appeared in the symbol of Galantri a few months ago has played a key part in these events. The man himself remains a mystery, as he has no memory of himself or his life, though he does recall some skills.

Since his name is unknown, many townsfolk have take to calling him Galen. Others, such as Ragnar of the Court of Nordenn, and Cedric Fruvous of the Sage’s Guild, insist that he is Galantri reborn.

Whoever he is, he knows that the cloud is called the Crix, though he doesn’t know why he knows. Indeed, when the horrific entity attacked the town, none but Galen could affect the creature.

After forcing several adventurers to resurrect, the being left town.

There are several questions remaining about this strange entity. Adventurers noticed that it was affected by the symbol of Galantri. Some, such as the scholar Yalenus Veler, feel that because of this the two must be connected.

As of now, anyone with any information on this being are urged to report it to the proper authorities and warned to avoid the cloud itself. This could be the deadliest foe Ashbury has ever faced.

by Oliver Nirab

On the eve before the 601 tournament, the Boogeyman entered the capital city with a small force of his booglings and attacked the townsfolk. Their blows caused many to fall into a deep slumber, and as a result the town was forced behind their wards and the Healers Guild’s circle of power. Once things had quieted a little, the Boogeyman began to gloat that he had kidnapped all the children of the duchy. He then announced that he would be entering a team of booglings in this year’s tournament.

Before the outcries of the Ashbans got very far, he also announced that he would be changing the rules to this year’s tournament. He ordered that there would be no padded weapons, and a new event in which all of the teams would fight one another at once in a “free-for-all” style. In return for this, he said that if his team did not come in first place he would return all of the children. To seal the deal, he even gave his word as a noble of Mythlandria.

Throughout the events, the booglings insulted the nobility of Ashbury and mocked them openly. When they did poorly in the events, they complained that they were unfairly being judged against. These examples of poor sportsmanship and mockery did little to curry favor with the nobles, who were the judges of the events.

“The rules of the tournament are clear: You know in advance who the judges are and should write your entertainment accordingly,” said Sir Eros, who judged the Tournament along with Baroness Talin.

When the booglings began to read their top ten list “Top Ten Things to do With a Dead Duke” Baroness Talin, as well as several other Ashbans nearly attacked them. Only the threat from the Boogeyman that he would withdraw his team and not return the children if they were attacked kept the Ashbans from violence.

Fortunately, the booglings were defeated in every event and came nowhere near first place. Boogeyman stated that the children would all return in their beds the next morning and indeed they did.

Later, the Ashbans were able to travel to the Boogeyman’s lair and destroy him once and for all.

The day after the Tournament,  Prince Correldrian of Mythlandria appeared in town and announced that the Boogeyman had been removed of his position for breaking his oath to never bother Ashbury again.

He then announced that the fey being known as the Candyman the new Baron of Nightmares and Dreams.

Many are happy to hear this news, but far more happy that their children have returned.

With the arrival of All Hollow’s Eve, many wondered what terrors the minions of the Abysmal Gorge would inflict upon the people of Ashbury. The surprise was great when a herald of the Gorge revealed that the lords of the Abysmal Gorge had vanished. He said that the Ashbans would have to select a new one or else the rift between the two realms, which is usually only open around Holloween, would be open year round. He said that the crown of Holloween would have to be found and given to whoever was chosen.

Earlier that very day the Candyman had arrived in the city, but was changed by his time in the nightmare realm, apparently corrupted by the nightmares of his new realm, and calling himself Sugarcane. Prince Correldrian of Mythlandria too was in Ashbury at the time, and suggested that if the Candyman was the lord of Holloween that it may cure him.

To that end, many of the heroes of Ashbury traveled to the Abysmal Gorge to acquire the crown. They found themselves in a land of absolute blackness with hordes of undead milling about. They entered a building made of blackness and were forced to fight their way past more undead to get the crown. Once they had it, they quickly retreated back to Ashbury and gave it to the Candyman. Apparently the Prince was correct, the Candyman appeared cured and thanked the Ashbans. Perhaps with this new, friendlier lord of Holloween, we need not fear as much next year.

A pair of high ogres arrived in town during the recent Tournement, seeking help in removing a curse which had been placed on their clan. The ogres, who were called Subetei and Tharak, had been sent by their shaman through the mists, in accordance with a vision.

Subetei explained that his entire clan had been under the effects of a combined curse of weakness and curse of destruction, since obtaining a sword from the tomb of a fallen dwarven hero named Kahlen Longbeard. Subetei was given the quest to find the sword in order to prove his worthiness to challenge his Khan for leadership of the Bloodmoon clan, as is their custom.

Subetei said that his shaman told him that he must put the sword, which appearred to have flames dancing along its blade, in its sheath and lay it to rest in the tomb of a true hero. The cursed sword appeared to be spirit linked to the high ogre, who explained that he had no idea where the scabbard was. There had been no scabbard in the tomb he had taken the sword from.

The two high ogres spent the afternoon talking to the various townfolk about their problem, and most of the people there suggested that the recently fallen Duke Aramis was probobly the true Hero that their shaman had spoken of. Visiting Guildmaster Lanny Canning, of Lombard, knew the legend of the Kahlen Longbeard, and told the ogres that he was rumored to have been slain by a drayder at a famous battle in southern Coaltis, the country in which Lomabrd is a small Baronet. The Guildmaster further said that a Drayder had been seen on the outskirts of Ashbury the previous night. Subetei asked to be shown where the drayder had been seen and was eventually taken there by a group of adventurers including Cortez, Vashti, Joshua Darion, Maheed, Kalaji, Ieukamariyn, Ragnar Foxfire, and Akram.

The drayder was actually lurking in the shadows very near where he had been seen the previous night, accompanied by a large group of spiders which he appeared to have vocal control of. A hideous thing to behold, the drayder appeared to be a giant spider with an Elven torso, something never before seen in Ashbury according to the locals. Once the spiders were dispatched, the drayder fell rather quickly, under the furious assault of the adventurers, led by Subetei and Ragnar. The missing scabbard was found on the drayder, whos body dissapated shortly after the battle.

Subetei was then shown to the “tomb” of Duke Aramis, which was actually a funeral prye, since only his Ducal Tabard had been recovered. The ogre put the sword in the scabbard, and had Dispel Magic cast on him, which rid him of the curse and disarmed the accursed sword, which was left buried in the pyre. Subetei thanked the adventurers, and told him that he would now go to challenge for the leadership of the Bloodmoon Clan.

For the second year in a row, the dark elf team know as Shokan Ryujima, led by Find’rth, has won the Annual Tournament.

The team was able to place first in four of the competitions—Colors, Entertainment, Hero’s Battle, and The Hunt—and earn a total of 41 points.

Their next closest competitors was a team comprised of members of the Black Unicorns and the Ash Forest (hence the name “Black Forest”.) This team placed first in three of the competitions: Combat, The Spellcaster’s Battle, and the “Free for All”, winning 37 points.

In third place was Team Harrington with 27 points.  They placed first with the Archery competition.

In last place were the Irregulars with 21 points. They placed first in Riddles.

The competition was confused a bit by the unwelcome addition of the Booglings. To make matters worse, the Boogeyman insisted on the “Free for All” competition, which of course meant that all good teams would first remove the Booglings. Shokan bowed out as soon as the booglings were defeated so as not to fight any others, and the biata Tieran caused Team Harrington to be disqualified from that competiton when he performed a killing blow on a boogling against the rules.

The rankings of the winners would not have changed if the Free for All were not counted; and in fact, Shokan’s victory would have been even greater.

The Hunt once again provided some fun. One item that was required was “The Bane of Fangthorn.” Almost every team realized that this referred to the Bat, Hammer and Dove who defeated Fangthorn almost seven years ago, but none could figure out what they were supposed to turn in as their submission. Finally, Shokan realized that the business card that was constantly being handed out by Sir Eros’ assistant said “Adventurer - Trolls a speciality” and that the name on the card was “Batham Merdove.”

“The Slain Duke’s Gold Rogue” was an anagram for “Search under the Sage’s Guild” where a gold colored picture of a thief was found.

“The Seventh Law” referred to the Code of Chivalry (“Thou shalt give freely...”) and once money was given to a specific beggar, a piece of paper would be given which would solve that puzzle.

Some groups figured out the “Order of the Weapons” by listening to rumors overheard in the tavern, but apparently no one was able to find some of the more obscure weapons (such as a sap) in order to actually turn the weapons in in the proper order.

“The Shuffled Deck” was a dance step that could have been learned from a pair of gypsies that were entertaining in the tavern but apparently no one thought to ask them about it because no team turned that item in.

Despite the participation of the booglings, the tournament went well and teams played fairly, even helping each other out in order to make sure the booglings would not win.

Lord Roldo’s Halloween costume competition had an unusual surprise when the real Morganna showed up to enter the “scariest” costume. He insisted upon winning and Lord Roldo was not about to argue with the powerful undead who began his appearance with the tossing of an Obliterate spell.

 Morganna taunted those present and then walked away with his winning: a ritual scroll. None stopped him.

by Assistant Guildmaster Saja

The night before the tournament weekend, I had a rather strange dream. It began as a nightmare at first until a black fae looking creature with wings showed up, scanned my memories for the information about the Boogeyman, thanked me and changed my dream to a more pleasant one. Then on Friday night as I was closing up shop at the Mage’s Guild, I got hit by a massive sleep spell and the next thing I knew I was floating in space surrounded by fog. I could not hear or see anything in front of me except for a glowing light in front. Finding myself without too many options, I began to move towards this glow until it started pulling me in and I appeared in a great city with fantastic creatures flying all over the place.

I was then joined by the rest of the people who were present at the Midnight’s Guildhall. Among them was Sparticus, Skywolf and her gypsy friend Apria, Ieukamariyn ibn Saleh, Akram Ataa Al Monte, and Majid Muhannad Wa Ghalib who are all travelers from the lands of Moria, and the Galanthian Yalenus. We tried to figure out what happened when the same being from my dream approached us. He introduced himself as the Prince Correldrian of Mythylandria and informed us that we were in his Realm. After all the greetings, he gave me a proposition. He would lead me to the place where Mirrorscrew hid the mirror he stole last month and in exchange we were to enter the tournament and do our best to foil the Boogeyman’s plans.

Personally, I was hesitant to assist Mythylandria again because the previous time Ashbury got involved, many Ashbans ended up in the Healer’s Guild circle. But my first priority was to retrieve the Guild’s mirror at all costs so I agreed and so did the rest of the party that was present. We were then led to a dark warehouse where the mirror was supposed to be and encountered a number of fae standing guard.

The battle was fierce but we overcame the opposition and pressed on until we reached a room that was blocked off by a force field with but a narrow doorway on the side.

We made our way past the door and more of the fae to get into the room where in fact the mirror was residing. There was snoring coming from the mirror and it seemed like the mirror was in spirit form. After several failed attempts to restore the mirror, I cast a dispel magic spell on it and the mirror solidified and the snoring stopped. Right next to the mirror I found a screw with the letter ‘M’ scribed on it, a calling card of Mirrorscrew as I later found out. Sparticus and I carried the mirror back outside where Prince Correldrian was waiting for us. He then led us back to the city where we first appeared and rifted us back to Ashbury.

The mirror was placed back into the circle and all of the connections between the other Mage’s Guilds were restored and the Sleep spell returned to memory in time for the tournament. I would like to thank and congratulate all who risked their lives for the Guild on a job well done. I would also like to caution anyone who encounters this character who calls himself Mirrorscrew. He should be treated as a criminal of Ashbury and apprehended if spotted.

Dear Ashbans:

I want to extend a hardy huzzah for the children of the Raab dessert (Please forgive my spelling) in their assistance with protecting the townsfolk, the children and fellow adventurers. In my travels they have proven to be valuable allies in combat and quite logical in their affairs. I would walk proudly with you should you need my assistance, as would many of the commoners and new adventurers.

Symerille Strongbow
of the court of Nordenn

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To the people of Ashbury:

I am writing this letter to the town to thank all the people who helped identify a murderer. I spoke to Sir Eros and I have learned the identity of the person who killed our carnival worker. I was told that he was not in town and has not been in town for some time. I believe Sir Eros searching for this murderer. I am glad justice is beginning for the people that were involved.

I would also like to thank the town for being so helpful in our time of need. I am currently working with other members from our carnival who are trained in combat and casting magic to help train our other clowns. We can help combat all the monsters currently seen near the town. Our carnival will also earn a living so we can survive and prosper in our new home.

In closing I would just like to say that there are some clowns who believe that crime is the answer to our problems. I do not share this vision. I would like to establish our clown family within Ashbury and become a part of your everyday lives. I apologize for all the recent crime within your city limits and I am going to deal with rouge clowns myself to insure we can live in peace and harmony.

Bonzo