“Kings of Halloween” Defeated

 

Once again, as the veil between this world and the Abyssal Gorge thinned and weakened, the five foul creatures known as the Kings of Halloween traveled to Ashbury to wreak havoc upon our citizens. Little did they know, it would be their last visit.

For many years, the four rulers reigned and ruled. Over them all was the High King of Halloween, Jack O’Lantern, a zany and dangerous, unpredictable ghost. The four rulers beneath the Halloween King were Muckhead the Horror King; Queen Nachtface, Matriarch of the Dark; King Moan ‘n’ Groan, the Lord of the Sounds in the Night; and Yech, the Sickness King.

Each year the four would vie for who would be King (or Queen) of Halloween the following year, and would ask (and compel) mortals to aid in that decision.

Following a plan laid out by interim Dean Calwan Graem of the Bardic College (see accompanying article for more information on Calwan), the adventurers of Ashbury successfully stripped the former Kings of their undead powers and restored them to a mortal life.

Instrumental to the plan was the recovery of an item of some significance to each of the Kings. These items apparently held some fragment of their respective King’s spirit, which enabled the Kings to build more permanent lairs in our own world. Whether these lairs would let the Kings attack Ashbury at will any time of the year is a question we thankfully won’t have to discover the answer to.

The first lair to appear was a large building with a sign reading “Jack’s Pumpkin Patch.” Adventurers were led by Checkers T. Clown (who was in town following a rather misguided campaign effort to get his master the Chessmaster elected King of Halloween) to this house of morbid and twisted games.

The games were run by scarecrow and patchwork constructs, and often involved the destruction of undead creatures. Unfortunately, it seemed that playing the game was what created the undead, so nothing was gained in the fight against evil. What you did gain from playing the games were prize tickets, which could then be exchanged for prizes.

True to an undead king’s notion of fair play, the games were difficult and sometimes deadly, and gave such a poor return that about all the adventurers could afford was a seemingly worthless glass pumpkin. That pumpkin appeared to be Jack’s token item, because as soon as it left the premises, the Pumpkin Patch began to fade away.

The next day, Dean Calwan discovered a large swamp where a perfectly dry forest stood the day before. The adventurers were gathered to venture deep into that swamp, which was believed to be Muckhead’s new lair.

Forced along a narrow path of solid ground through the murky swamp, the adventurers were assaulted by zombies, ghouls, wights, and worse. On top of all that, there were several will o’ wisps lurking in the swamp, luring adventurers to step off the dry path and sink beneath the filthy swamp water. Those who fell into the swamp were apparently deposited outside of the entrance, soiled but otherwise unharmed.

After a long battle that left many an adventurer nauseated or drained, the front line were at last able to recover a dagger that belonged to Muckhead. As they sounded the retreat, the swamp waters began to rise, and eventually Muckhead’s swamp consumed itself and disappeared.

That same day, as the people of Ashbury prepared their evening meal, a massive pyramid rose from the ground at the outskirts of town. The pyramid seemed surrounded in a haze, and the grass and plants nearby began to wither and die.

Dean Calwan once again informed the adventurers of Ashbury, who gathered under the leadership of newly-knighted Sir Rorii, to investigate this pyramid.

Inside the pyramid were several strange circles, which anyone could enter and use to transport themselves to any other circle. Chaos ensued, as adventurers were magically traveling all around inside the pyramid, often met or pursued by undead guardians!

Details are fuzzy at best, but we have reports of several poisonous traps being set off within, and it is known that someone escaped the pyramid with a golden bracelet belonging to Yech. Once it was removed, the pyramid began to shake and rumble, and soon collapsed upon itself and vanished from our world.

Shortly thereafter, a local townsman came to the adventurers with a strange tale. In one of the less affluent districts of Ashbury City, there stood a grand opera house which was never there before.

Upon investigating the opera house, the adventurers discovered the place to be full of ghostly figures in the audience and on the stage. Not a single one of them made a sound. Quietly, the adventurers crept through the opera house, largely ignored by the ghosts residing there, until they attempted to go backstage.

A roar of “No backstage pass!” was heard even a block away, and the shattering of the silence brought the wrath of the ghostly creatures upon the adventurers. In the fight that ensued, all who were cut by the creatures’ claws or blades had their voices stolen from them.

After a long and bitter struggle, a group of adventurers broke through the backstage defenses and entered a dressing room. It is not known exactly what happened back there, but we’re told that singing was heard from the dressing room, shortly before the opera house began to fade away. A songbook was also recovered from the opera house, that once belonged to “King” Moan n’ Groan.

Later that evening, many of the adventurers in Ashbury mysteriously vanished in the night. A witness to one of these disappearances described it as “One second they was there, and then I seen a wisp of smoke or cloud around `em and they were gone.” Several written invitations to a ball to be held by Nachtface, another former King of Halloween, were discovered in places where adventurers disappeared.

No one has come forth with any reports of where these adventurers went, or what transpired at Nachface’s ball, if indeed this is where the adventurers went. All that is known is that the adventurers all later returned, well into the night, with a gold crown and a silver tiara.

While they were away, an explosion occurred in a nearby warehouse district, and all manner of rotting and diseased creatures and undead crawled out of it. With most of the adventurers away, Sheriff Sir Harrison Ryat and his town guard had their hands full.

Early the next morning, the last day that the veil between worlds would remain open, Dean Calwan was seen entering town and talking with Sir Rorii, Squire Darlassia, and several prominent adventurers.

They left, along with four others, in the company of a rat-like creature named Virgil. (Some readers may recall that Virgil was once a slave to the various Kings of Halloween, and escaped last year with the aid of the fey Candyman.)

The group left for the outskirts of town, where Virgil evidently opened a rift, presumably to the Abyssal Gorge, which the others entered. Some time later, the adventurers and Dean Calwan emerged, carrying a large black throne adorned with bones and skulls. Once through, Virgil closed the rift and the group hurried back to Ashbury City.

The throne was revealed by Dean Calwan to be a key element in his plan to defeat the Kings of Halloween, as it allowed him to link the items of all five Kings together for a single casting of the ritual that would destroy them.

The Dean left to make preparations for the ritual to be cast, while Sir Rorii gathered the adventurers to prepare for the worst.

Sir Rorii and Dean Calwan agreed that the ritual should be performed in an abandoned theater house, away from the heart of Ashbury City, yet near enough to adventurers’ wards should things take a turn for the worse. Additional precautions were taken, including the casting of a ward upon the theater house, with any adventurers so wishing to be invested in it. Once secured, the Dean prepared and began his ritual.

What happened next was either a great tragedy, or a horrible travesty. Foul smoke and fog erupted from the Throne of the High King, completely obscuring the Dean and everything else within the Circle of Power. The Dean could be heard shouting “It’s working! It’s working!” before he, the throne, and his ritual simply vanished. The Circle of Power was also gone.

Left in their place were five mortal beings who stirred as if awakening from a long slumber. These five, it was made apparent, were the Kings of Halloween. Stripped of their powers and no longer possessed by the ghostly spirits from the Abyssal Gorge, they presented little threat to Ashbury and spoke peaceably with those present for some time.

It was not long after, however, that the horrible truth of what became of those spirits of the Kings of Halloween was revealed.

A massive swarm of all manner of undead creatures, including the typical minions of all of the Kings of Halloween, descended upon Ashbury City.

They were led by a massive creature, with a twisted and amalgamated face that bore evidence of all five Kings, now fused to one body: the body of Dean Calwan Graem.

Seemingly possessed with the combined power of all of the Kings, this thing gleefully attacked any who dared approach. A single swipe of its clawed hands could tear apart even the sturdiest of armors, and arcane energies erupted from it, silencing or dominating those struck. It merely laughed at even the most damaging attacks the adventurers could deal.

Ashbury was perhaps only saved by the passage of time. For in the midst of battle, the veil between our world and the Abyssal Gorge strengthened again, and that awful abomination was pulled through the planes back to the Abyssal Gorge.

It is unknown what the future may bring, but perhaps we will know next Halloween.


Dean Calwan: Victim or Villain?

 

by Thad Travels

As the horrific events of Halloween pass us by, we are left with one burning question: was Dean Calwan’s failed ritual an accident, or his vile intention all along?

Well, I hit the streets of Ashbury to find out your opinion on the issue. Most of the people I talked to had nothing to say, whether they were too afraid to voice an unpopular opinion, or perhaps too repulsed to even think about it.

I did get quite the response from the kiergani adventurer Redcloud, of the Black Forest: “I knew he was bad news from the beginning.  Ever since he got excited when we found the dwarven artifact, he seemed more happy at the power of the artifact than what it stood for, or if we could fix the problem.  Then he has this terrific idea, lets gather the things that give these “King of Halloween” this power, get the thing that binds them together and I’ll do a ritual that I won’t explain to anybody, to “destroy” them. Sure ... I said he was evil from the beginning and well ... told ya so just doesn’t seem to cover it.  If I was in that circle when he started the ritual, I would made sure it failed, even if it meant I’d have to die too. Good thing I was outside.”  Strong words indeed.

A similar, yet far less verbose reply came from the vansir smith, Ulthoc. In his words, “He’s a celestial wizard, right?  That makes him evil. Chances are he wanted the power all along.” Simple logic from a simple man, I suppose.

But not all would place blame upon the hapless dean. One person I spoke to, on the promise of anonymity, had another explanation: “Considering there was a Lempur in the building when the ritual was cast, well I would say odds were pretty darn good it was going to have some strange backlash.”

The Bardic College of Ashbury gave me this as their official statement on the matter: “We firmly and honestly believe, that Calwan Graem was a good and decent human being. His methods were not always orthodox, but the goal of all of his endeavors has ever been the pursuit of knowledge, not power. That day marked a sad day for Ashbury, as one of its brightest minds was lost to us all.” The College also announced their intention to dedicate the new ancient history wing of the library (to replace the one recently burned down) in his name.

Another of Dean Calwan’s supporters had this to say: “Well, I have dealt with the Dean on several occasions, and even talked about mundane things, I have found him to be an honest person in my dealings, it is possible that this was his plan all along, yes I would admit that it is possible, but I would be very surprised.” This interviewee also requested his name not be mentioned.

And so, the question remains unanswered. Opinions vary wildly, and perhaps time, especially around next Halloween, will one day show us the truth.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely that of the author, and in no way reflect the opinions and/or beliefs of the owners and employees of the Ashbury Times.

 


Bardic College Set Ablaze

 

Just before noon on the 7th of November, a sudden and massive fire broke out at the Bardic College of Ashbury.

Several dormitories caught fire, but most of the damage was done to the administrative offices and libraries. In particular, the Dean’s Offices and private quarters, and the Ancient Icenian History section of the library were completely destroyed.

There were some reported injuries, but thankfully no deaths, as most of the students and staff were at Sunday brunch.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but many speculate it was connected with Dean Calwan’s disappearance and subsequent transformation.

Classes will finish this semester under a modified schedule; students should check with their professors or advisors for more information.   


Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil Named Knight

On the afternoon of November 6th, 604 Squire Rorii was raised to the peerage in a brief ceremony held at the beginning of the Saturday morning Ducal Court. Duke Frost lorded Squire Rorii after calling him forward and demanding his red belt. The ceremony concluded with His Grace slapping Squire Rorii across the face and then embracing him.

Immediately afterwards Baroness Glenduria named Lord Rorii a knight of the Ash Forest in a less brutal display.

Arphen Soronume Galad, a knight from Imladar, attended the ceremony and she returned with Prince Gilthalion later in the evening to have dinner with the new knight.


Sylva Disrupts While Claiming to Help

 

The enigmatic fey creature known as Sylva came to Ashbury amidst the hordes of undead that ravaged the Duchy this past Halloween. He was seen speaking with a number of adventurers among which were Olivia and Lyle of the Black Forest, and Morgan who wears no team colors. He was overheard talking about the requirements to lift the curse of Lempur.

He also attacked Daedric, the Lempur, putting him within the confines of a Prison spell, and then cursing him. Daedric was apparently cursed to say something distasteful to him, because he would not speak for the rest of the afternoon.

Sylva confronted him again in the Dragon’s Flagon, leaping on a table and screaming in his face - those present said that Sylva had a bestial vestige, and long, wicked claws.

He was heard to say that the reason that he was so interested in helping Lempur was that he wanted revenge against his brother Glantri (aka the missing Squire Galen) for abandoning him and ‘turning his back on [Sylva] to follow the mortal code of chivalry’ when Sylva appeared last year in the Ashbury Healer’s circle – to all appearances bereft of his fey powers.

Sylva went on to say that he wished to wipe Glantri’s names from the mortal history books and leave him with less than nothing.

Sylva also took an interest in the Mystic Wood elven girl named Hannah who sporadically appears in Ashbury to offer ritual scrolls and components in exchange for song, and entertainment. She may also be remembered as the girl who led Adventurers into the Fey-mound in Corheim to seal it up, thus ending the reign of the Gray Goblins. She seemed visibly frightened by him. She was asked to assist adventurers in lifting the curse that Sylva levied upon Daedric, but after thinly veiled threats to Hannah from Sylva adventurers withdrew their request.

Competing in the song were Mitchico, Natalia, Keeley, and a Dark Elf from through the mists who won the competition.

In a strange turn of events, the group of Scavengers from Synvia and from a far away land called Caldaria approached Sylva and seemed to amuse him greatly. Rex, the dog scavenger especially amused Sylva, whom he called Sheriff Harkan several times (Rex had been wearing ducal colors all afternoon, until Lt. Malfalin challenged him and forced him to remove them).

Led by a mountain ram named Klaus the scavengers negotiated a bargain with Sylva who brought them to save an enslaved rabbit Karowba who was trapped on a Vicarran Pirate ship. Sylva rifted them to the ship, they battled some undead pirates, and freed her – and he rifted them back to Ashbury safe and sound. Apparently, Sylva did this for a bracelet, some food, and their promise to praise him when speaking about him. The scavengers were very loud and boisterous in their praise of Sylva, whom they called ‘Mushroom King Man.’


Gilwing Apologizes; Duke Allows Limited Entry to Ashbury

 

Gilwing the dwarf made public apologies to both His Grace Duke Frost Vardik and his Magistrate, Sir Eros Clearbrook, and Duke Frost has allowed for the dwarf to return in order to make these apologies in person.  The text of Gilwing’s messages follow:

 

To Duke Sir Frost Vardik,

I want to let every one know that I am deeply sorry for my actions and words of recent. I am wrong! I want to apologies for my words and actions. I am but a fool. I am sorry for disrespecting you Your Grace. Anger rushed in my blood, in my mind. As soon as I seen Sir Eros’s response I did not think, not one bit. I went into the dream realm and responded with the first thing that came to my mind, insulting him. I am sorry for that. I was angered by his statement and with all the pressure on me from what had happened I buckled. I am sorry for trying to get out of what I had said and trying to argue the fact of the word meaning something else. I did not intend to disrespect you in any way but that happened and I am sorry for it. I will look forward to apologizing in person.

Duke Sir Frost Vardik and every one else, I am sorry.

Humbly yours,

Gilwing

 

To Sir Eros,

I want to apologies for disrespecting you in this dream realm. I was wrong. I am sorry that committed slander against you, and that I intended to call you scum. My actions were rash and spontaneous and were not thought out at all. I was betrayed and brokenhearted, nothing but anger filled my mind and I reacted in a rash manor. Please forgive me Sir Eros, I am but a fool. I hope that I can meet to apologies to you in person.

Sincerely,

Gilwing

 

Neither His Grace nor Sir Eros have responded publicly to Gilwing’s postings, but a missive was released from the Ducal Household concerning the issue.  The missive is as follows:

 

Citizens of Ashbury,

Let it be known that the dwarf Gilwing is to be allowed in Ashbury for the purpose of speaking to Duke Sir Frost Vardik in person. He is not to be detained nor bothred in this pursuit. However, he may not travel Icenia freely until he meets with His Grace. His future status within Icenia will be determined at that time.

This is the will of His Grace.

In Service,

Squire Trevor Donovan

Ducal Seneschal

 


Plane Touched Continue Attack on Bloodstone

The Plane Touched, led by the being known only as “The One,” continue their assault on Bloodstone. Hundreds of Biata citizens now have died permanently, and hundreds more have fled Bloodstone – but many continue to stand and defend along side the soldiers sent by His Grace Duke Sir Frost, and his Excellency Baron Morgasander.

The attacks, though less and less frequent, are cunningly organized and brutal. The attacks seem to surround deep cave entrances, and mountain strongholds. They appear to be looking for something in the mountains, but exactly what is unknown at this time.

Also appearing with the Plane Touched are pantherghasts that are attuned to Biata. Pantherghasts are celestial-summoned creatures that can only be harmed by the race they are attuned to slaughter. The appear as hounds made from energy and bones, with twisted animal features and are known to never rest.


Strange Resurrections in Hagarath

A series of strange murders and resurrections have occurred in the Nordenn estate of Hagarath. At least three people now have reported that they resurrected with no memory, and with strange features that they previously didn’t have.

A man named Eskaron resurrected with several fingers that were too long and in a color that didn’t match his normal flesh tone. A high orc named K’tank resurrected with what locals say is a gnoll ear. And a woman named Barbara Storne, a visiting jockey from Goldstone, resurrected with a troll’s foot.

Some are calling this yet another strange occurrence caused by the weakening of the veil between our world and the Abysmal Gorge, but the truth has yet to be discovered. Sages from nearby Aberwyvern are puzzled; but others speculate that it is related to the appearance of a kiergani necromancer who has been bothering the area lately.

“It is nothing we cannot control,” said Sheriff Tungar. “The games go on as scheduled, and we invite all to visit our fair town and see for themselves.”

 


Lhasa Named New Guildmistress

 

Several months ago Shya Corak tendered her resignation as Ashbury Healer’s Guild Mistress after years of faithful service. Thanks is offered by all for her hard work and dedication.

Lhasa Skamar, well known throughout the adventuring community as a skilled and kind healer, has been elevated to the position of Guilmistress. The future of the guild looks bright as Guildmistress Lhasa takes the reigns of this integral establishment.


 

Letters

 

I would like to thank His Grace, Duke Sir Frost Vardik, for agreeing to meet with me and allowing me to continue to serve the people of Kurash and Bristol and the brave men and women of the Western Border Brigade. I have spoken at length with His Grace, as well as His Majesty King Gareth and Her Majesty Queen Sidraste. I sincerely believe that the oath I have taken to all of them is in he spirit of the oaths I made to King Mykel and the Code of Chivalry. I would also like to thank the nobles and squires of Ashbury who were able to help facilitate the meeting that led to this happy development.

I would also like to make known regret my prior allegiance to Requin Dragor. I have recently researched his actions while he ruled Trellhiem and I am aghast that I could be so duped or that any noble could stray so far from the Code of Chivalry. I hope to erase this stain on my honor by serving Ashbury as faithfully as I have tried to serve Evendarr and am grateful that His Grace has given me the chance to do so.

Sir Padrin Darrius

 

To all citizens, visitors and allies of Ashbury and Icenia,

Recently we have all endured a tragic loss in passing of Braveroar Stonehammer, dwarf of Dwarrenagor. The lands are a sadder place without him. May his spirit find peace in the Stone Halls and may the memory of his bravery and kindness inspire those he has left behind.

Duke Sir Frost Vardik

 

It is with deep sadness that I read of the death of young Braveroar. I only met Braveroar recently, but have come to respect him immensely. He wanted only what was best for the dwarven people, and unlike some, understood that what was best was cooperation with all the other peoples of the world. We had fine conversations and shared many an ale when I visited your lands, and I will miss those days. I am happy though that he died fighting like a hero, and that is how I hope all will remember him.

King Kelanor IV

 

My heart weighs more than a thousand stones today. I hear the words of Braveroar’s death with a great amount of grief and sadness. Braveroar Stonehammer taught me about our people and how we need to work together in just a few short years.He was a Whiterock, a clan I’d always been taught was greedy and cared nothing for anything but coins and profit. Then I met Braveroar and I learned that this wasn’t the case. He was the best man I ever knew of any race and any clan. I take some solace in the fact that he took some of his enemy with him, but the price was still too great.I will miss him more than I can find words for. If someone would tell me how to find the bastards that slew him I would be greatly appreciative. The least I can do for my friend is to avenge him.

Kyril Flamebeard

Flamefist Clan

 

On the eve of Friday Nov 5th in the year 604, a heart had taken its final beat. A heart of hearts... so big, that it was never not seen where ever it was. This heart was so kind, so giving, and never without love. Ashbury, nay Icenia, nay all of Fortannis will be slightly less bright without it. Let us not forget him.

Sparticous

 

He gave me a hat and a monkey. How can he not be a good guy?

Sassafur

 

 

Letters may be edited for grammar, spelling, and space considerations

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

by Sue D’Onym

I don’t have much room this month, so let’s get right to it with the latest News They Don’t Want You To Know!

Sir Rorii had quite a day and night, as he was lorded and knighted in the afternoon, but then forced to ressurect by the vampire Lochaber, who seemed quite content to just leave town with two vampiresses. Sir Rorii sure has that “Thou shall not recoil” part down cold…dead cold.

Speaking of Lochaber, it’s been said by several of the lady adventurers that he’s quite a good dancer…does it disturb anyone else that they know this?

The clown construct known as Checkers T. Clown came to town with the dragon mage The Chessmaster recently. It seems he still can’t find a date, despite advertising in the Construct Times. However, he is still much funnier than the ducal jester. Still, when he confronted Sassafur and was getting the better of him, the portly jester was able to reduce Checkers to tears by saying “Yeah, well, at least I’m alive.”

The Chessmaster was “campaigning” for the position of King of Halloween (now we know what he meant during the Tournament when he said he would soon be asking Ashbury for a favor). His “vote or die” badges that he forced people to wear were not very popular, but Olivia managed to convince him to remove all of hers after reminding the crazed dragon mage that she had given him a massage in the past.

Some scavenger travelers recently got into some hot water. First one of their number, a rhino named Maxx, attacked Natalia for not fighting undead or healing people on the battle field. Seeing a citizen being attacked, the freshly knighted Sir Rorii took down the offending Rhino. Unfortunately Maxx’s friend, a loyal dog scavenger named Rex, attacked Sir Rorii at that point and also had to be taken down by the knight. Sir Eros tried to explain to the two scavengers why what they did was wrong, and said that if they did it again, he would have to lock them up in jail for a while and put them in chains, and Maxx and Rex immediately started telling everyone that the Mystic Wood elf Magistrate was a “slaver.”

Unfortunately the trouble didn’t stop there. Rex was seen on Sunday wearing a white belt and ducal flag in his shirt so it looked like a tabard. Then the dog scavenger went around town proclaiming himself an alpha of the town. Most citizens tried to explain what was wrong with his actions but Lieutenant Malfalin of the ducal armies was enraged that the flag was being dishonored and the two came to blows over the matter.

The scavenger group also went on a small adventure with the fey Sylva. Apparently they went to free captured scavengers from the Vacarran pirates. When they returned they told anyone who would listen that Sylva had helped them and was a nice man. Obviously, most townsfolk didn’t believe them.

That’s all there is for this month. I probably could have gotten some more room from the editor, but the fact is that hardly anyone wrote to me with their gossip this month! I need your help to fill the most-read part of this paper! Ah well, until next time, remember: If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 


Public Notices

IN NEED OF A WEAPON or armor, but you haven’t the coin? Speak with Sparticous or Paythin of the “Order of the Black Unicorn”.  Also seeking many and various ritual scrolls and components.

 

LOOKING TO TRADE for the following scrolls: Arcane Armor, Bane, Cloak, Channel, Spell Parry, Expanded Enchantment, Regeneration, Permanent Duration. Will trade gold, permanent magic items and other scrolls and catalysts. – Lord Find’rth T’Varian

 

INFORMATION WANTED. If anyone in Ashbury has ever heard of an elven necromancer named Escobar, please contact Sheriff Tungar of Hagarath.  Reward for useful information.

 

ARE YOU AWARE that there is now an Imladari knight on the Court of the Ash Forest?JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). Prevent the Ash Forest from being taken over by nonAmani!  Ward the Wold! Join the society of freethinking, civilized beings who will work to effect a better culture, unfettered by adulteration and horrid admixture. Send your names, requests for membership cards, contributions and letters of support to: Teril Belayson, President and Treasurer, Belayson’s Honey Farm, Elindil, Ash Forest.