The Ashbury Times

September - December 608

“All The News That Fits, We Print”

 

Dominion Abducts Baron Ivan; Rescued by Squires

 

Baron Ivan Drake of Blythedale was abducted by Dominion spies in September, 608, as he rode from Greystone to the front lines near the Contested Lands.  After failing to arrive in Fairdale when expected, the noble’s disappearance was actively investigated by both his baronial court as well as members of the Stormblades.  But there were few clues left behind.

Several days later during a Dominion attack, it was confirmed by captured Dominion officers that Baron Ivan was being held in a Dominion prison.  Despite a desperate search for clues, the location of this secret dungeon could not be found.

In October, a mercenary arrived in Fairdale offering to trade knowledge of the baron’s whereabouts for coin and magic.  After a lengthy negotiation led by Squire Aven and Squire Ignatius, the location of the prison was revealed.  A rescue party was quickly formed, consisting of the two squires as well as Sayah, Amaranthus Landcharmer, Kinen of Caldaria, most of the baronial court of Blythedale, and a few others.  

Fortune favored the adventurers as they managed to infiltrate the prison and find not only Baron Ivan, but also Larkin Morfang, the pack leader of a band of werewolves who had recently helped Ashbury.  Both were sprung from their cells, but the baron seemed to have suffered from mental torture.  Ren Suzume spent some time attempting to restore some of the damage done and her assistance seemed to help.  After a time, Baron Ivan regained his mental acuity, aided also by Squire Aven and Squire Ignatius.

Comforted by Syrah of the Stormblades, the Baron now seems to have fully recovered from his ordeal.  However, he was overheard stating that the evilness of the Dominion knows no bounds and that he is determined to end the threat they pose to Icenia.

 


Halloween Visitors Attack Ashbury Once Again

 

This past spring, Fairdale was visited by the former guild master of the Trellheim Sages Guild, a mystic wood elf by the name of Wendell LaPointe. Sage Wendell called for the sages of Fairdale to be gathered, and when they were he revealed to them his plan. For many years he had been researching a solution to the recurring problem of the violent and deadly election of the King of Halloween each year. At last he had developed a ritual that he believed would pull the five kings of Halloween into the Material plane and allow them to be destroyed. With the kings gone, the rift between our world and the Abyssal Gorge would become smaller and smaller each year, until it closed altogether. The assembled sages, who included Lady Knight Glorianna, Ren Suzume, Symerille Foxfire, Aeun Nimbus, Sunn, and others, agreed to do all in their power to help.

Wendell later returned to give the sages five enchanted bottles, which he instructed them to use to collect an Essence of each King or Queen of Halloween. The essence had to be a strong representation of each king’s aspect. For example, the nightmares of a child were collected for the essence of Fear, which would be used against King Muckhead. The stronger the essence, the further into the Material Plane each monarch would be pulled, and the easier they would be to destroy.

The sages of Fairdale spent many hours meditating on how to find the strongest essences.

In the late summer, Fairdale was visited by a blind man who called himself a “keeper of stories.” He carried with him only a walking stick and a large book. The man said that he had come because “a story was about to end, one way or another.” When he opened his book, a strange humor came over him. He said that the Gorge was once ruled by a Prince of order and peace, but his throne was usurped by the current kings of Halloween. The Prince was trapped. Since they had no mandate to the throne, the King had to be chosen each year by the mortals of our plane. After delivering his message, the being disappeared.

By Hallowe’en, the Essences of Fear, Madness, and Discord had been secured. The adventurers had not been able to obtain the essence of Darkness or the essence of Decay.

As Hallowe’en approached, the people of Fairdale began having dreams with a similar message as the keeper of stories. The sages discussed the trapped Prince amongst themselves and brought the matter to Wendell LaPointe’s attention. In the end it was decided that a Prince who ruled in order and peace was preferable to the chaotic kings the Ashbans were accustomed to dealing with. The ritual would proceed.

On the night of Hallowe’en, Sage Wendell LaPointe again appeared. He brought with him the materials for the rituals, including scrolls and six chains of mythril to be used as circles of power. Fortunately, he was also able to provide substitute essences for Darkness and Decay. All was made ready for the ritual to begin at midnight.

However, once Baron Roriiander Coatheranderhil of the Ash Forest heard of the wizards’ plan, he became suspicious. He called a council in the Black Stag Tavern. The ritual was explained to him many times by many of those involved. The Baron apparently had not known of the arrangement, and was upset that no one had consulted a noble before taking part. He was reminded that Dame Glorianna had been present at Sage Wendell LaPointe’s first visit and had given the plan her blessing. After what many called a long and frustrating delay, Baron Rorii allowed the ritual to commence.

The ritual was to be performed in two parts. The first ritual, which Sage Wendell would conduct alone, was a variation of a Summon Extra-Planar Being ritual. It would summon the creature known as MishMash to the circle. Mishmash was a conglomeration of all the kings of Halloween in the body of a wizard called Dean Calwan. As soon as the summoning was complete, five other wizards would begin simultaneously casting five other rituals to draw out each King or Queen of Halloween and bind them to the Material Plane.

The first ritual was executed as planned, and the adventurers of Fairdale looked on in awe as the menacing form of the paralyzed MishMash formed out of the mist. The other rituals were immediately begun. They were performed perfectly, but when they were completed the casters were inexplicably thrown from their own circles of power. At the same moment, MishMash dissipated and Wendell Lapointe along with him. All that was left of the Sage was his wig.

A swirling vortex of darkness had formed within each circle of power. They could not be reached, for the circles had rejected their casters and outlasted their usual duration. Everyone was at a loss to explain what had happened or what these vortexes were. They knew only that the ritual had not gone as planned.

The next day, some of Fairdale’s questions were answered. The wizards who had been involved in the previous night’s ritual casting were rifted to the tower of the former Trellheim sage’s guild. There they met Wendell LaPointe, who had summoned them with an experimental ritual. Alive, but trapped in a circle of power, the sage explained that the ritual had not failed. However, instead of manifesting in the Prime Material Plane, as was expected, the Kings of Halloween were trapped within pocket realms ruled by their particular aspect. The vortexes were the gateways to these realms. Sage LaPointe theorized that the circles would eventually drop, and a party would be able to enter the pockets and there destroy the Kings.

So it occurred over the next 24 hours that the circles fell one at a time. As each circle failed, waves of undead poured out of the rifts. As the people of Fairdale fought the denizens of each king, a small group was able to jump through the portal.

The first circle to fall was that of Yech, the Sickness King. A party led by Tetsu, the Sastrawan healer, defeated the king of Decay through the use of a Purify potion.

Next, Symerille Foxfire led a team to victory over the king of Madness, Jack O’Lantern.

When the circle of Muckhead, king of Terror, dropped, Ren Suzume, Kainen, Gyps the Lifekeeper, Man-at-Arms Joaquinn, and Paladin Azura leapt into the pocket realm. After fighting their way through the minions of Terror, they found the King himself. Declaring that they were not afraid, they engaged him in battle. His blade Obliterated with each swing, and the warriors did all that they could to parry. Despite their efforts, Wizard Ren and Gyps were obliterated, and their bodies seemed to dissipate. But when Muckhead was at last slain, both casters reappeared, unconscious but otherwise unharmed. It seemed that the obliteration was only a manifestation of the party’s fears.

Later that night, the portal to the realm of Queen Nachtface was opened. The elf known as Sun led a group against the Queen of Darkness, who appeared as a vampire. Unfortunately, none of them had access to a Stake of Woe. They felled the Queen, but when they tried to deliver a killing blow she disappeared into mist and escaped.

The final circle fell the next morning, when Darkan took a combined group of Stormblades and the Black Forest into the realm of Moan N’ Groan, King of Discord. When they arrived, they found that they had no memory of their adventuring years or any of the people with them, though they still knew their objective. Disembodied voices accused them of being necromancers, traitors, and thieves. The attempt to sew discontent was unsuccessful, and the united group destroyed Moan N’ Groan.

Though only four out of the five kings were dispatched, it seems that it was enough to end the reign of the Usurper Kings. But the transition of power took an ugly turn. The afternoon after the last portal closed, a large force of undead monstrosities rifted into the center of town. They were preceded by a disembodied voice, announcing the return of the rightful Prince of the Abyssal Gorge. It called upon all those loyal to him to fight. Then a cheer was heard, and the attack began. After a long and arduous fight, the undead were destroyed. But the people of Fairdale were left with more unanswered questions. 

 

 


Brave Adventurers Find Strange Scroll

 

A scroll magically rifted into the Black Stag Tavern in Fairdale in October, to the amazement of onlookers.  The scroll was sealed with wax, though the signet was not recognized.

Upon opening, Ren Suzume read a cryptic poem that declared that a magical portal had been opened and that treasure awaits those brave enough to seek it.  An adventuring group was quickly gathered that included Ren, Fishercat, Khorwyn the ranger, Keim, Admiral Parduc and Leona the Kiergani archer.

As holder of the magical scroll, Ren seemed to know where to lead the party.  The group followed her to a place just outside of Fairdale where a shimmering portal was seen.  Upon entering the portal, they found themselves in a narrow cave.  A pool of fresh water lay before them with a single rock in the center.  Though they saw coins in the water, the group considered that it may be a trap, so they chose to try to leap over the water, using the lone rock as a stepping stone.

All went well until Fishercat’s leap.  The elf disturbed the liquid and a water elemental rose to attack.  As Fishercat was the last member to cross, they managed to avoid the elemental and proceeded along the passageway.  Soon they discovered a deep chasm, bridged only by two unsteady and narrow wooden boards.  These were carefully crossed and the group continued.

As they moved forward, they found that the tunnel was blocked by webs inhabited by large spiders.  The spiders were defeated, but the sticky webs proved to be quite an obstacle to traverse.  Once past the webs, they found a large room with a stone vault.  Upon the door of the vault was a knob surrounded by numbers 0 through 9.  The vault apparently needed a certain combination of numbers to unlock it.

After much deliberation, the group managed to use clues in the scroll’s poem to solve the number sequence and the vault was opened.  None of the adventurers were willing to state on the record what was found in the vault, but there are rumors that they were rewarded with great treasure. 

Once the group gathered their prizes, they departed the magical tunnel, defeating the water elemental as they exited.  Upon leaving through the portal, it magically closed and disappeared.

The adventurers said to be pleased with the outcome of their quest.  But what is the source of this magic scroll?  And why is it leading adventurers to secret portals?  These questions may never be answered.


Small Group of Adventurers Protects Fairdale

 

A small group of adventurers performed a task many thought they could not, in holding off the overwhelming forces of the Dominion in what has become known as “The Siege of Fairdale.”

With no military or nobility able to break through Dominion lines that surrounded Fairdale, this handful of adventurers stood their ground against the might of the Reidic Legion. 

Among those present were Amaranthus Landcharmer, Andros Westerling, Darkan Silverstorm, Dazzle, Gwendara Alanik, Kayden, Kiki Sanchez, Landiara, Mattock Ironleaf of Vandlar, Mellith of Blythedale, Ren Suzume, Syrah, Warpfang, and Zatarina Norik.  Also present were locals who could not escape in time, including Skirfir, former Guildmaster Aloysius McManus, and Evie. 

Friday afternoon before the adventurers usually begin their scheduled gathering, the Dominion forces of the western front under the command of Feldhier Orlantha. Rotewut Riedic managed to push back and out maneuver the Ducal Army in the Fairdale area, with only the few adventurers listed above able to arrive safely.  With a river and a mountain to the north, Dominion forces were able to completely surround the area by nightfall. 

Early Friday night the adventurers gathered to talk strategy in the tavern and it was decided that Gwendara of the Stormblades would lead the adventurers in combat and make critical decisions.  This was based on a number of factors, most notably her ability to make sound decisions and her two handed sword fighting style which would not place her on the immediate front and allow for a better battlefield view.  Patrols gathered farmers and evacuated them to the relative safety of the fortress proper. 

The first attack came only minutes after Gwendara was selected to lead.  Feldhier Reidic came personally, with a gryphon, its tamer, and a detachment of gnoll mercenaries.  The attack seemed to have two purposes.  The first was to use non critical resources (in this case gnolls) to determine the overall strength of the adventurers while not risking forces.  The second was to carry out an execution order for Amaranthus, who the Ordunkorps had sentenced to obliteration. 

A gnoll spellcaster overloaded Amaranthus’ defenses faster than he could recast them, drained him so he could not repel mind altering magic, and then dominated him into following him over to Orlantha who was waiting with a Circle of Power.  Orlantha spent the half hour casting time taunting Amaranthus about various things and though the adventurers tried valiantly to get her to lose concentration, the ritual succeeded.  Amaranthus resurrected safely, and learned of the success of this initial battle, which included the capture of a gryphon that was prisoned and, because no magic weapon was present, dragged to the river and drowned.

Saturday presented a major problem.  First, developments surrounding the discovery of a Homestone led to Amaranthus, Gwendara, and Zatarina being barred from attacking any other culture of biata.  “None of the three tribes shall shed the blood of the others” was the test posed to the Icenians, the Rotes (Dominion), and the Thessi.  This took three of the most skilled present out of combat with Dominion biata troops, whereas the Dominion’s willingness to use undead instead gave them the advantage. 

Before that test was given, however, a small patrol group led by Amaranthus was successful, though at great risk and the near total loss of the squad, to capture Feldhier Emilio Barrenger, a Syraandorian biata who was once an adventurer known to Icenia.  Emilio was also a convicted necromancer, who falesly claimed to be reformed.  After the Dominion war broke out, he left Icenia and joined the Dominion.  His capture was for the purpose of information retrieval and so he could stand trial and obliteration for treason and necromancy. He was killed and allowed to dissipate when the tavern became a fallback point later that afternoon.  

After the test was administered, Saturday started to turn for the worse.  While the biata were away meeting the Homestone and being tested, the Dominion sieged town.  The defenders had to barricade themselves in the tavern and fight a “door fight” to prevent from being overwhelmed.  The battle went on for a short time after the biata joined the fight, then Orlantha ordered her troops to pull out, presumably to avoid failing the test.  Instead, they sent in gnoll mercenaries, but they were dispatched with relative ease.

Saturday a few hours before dusk the gathered adventurers met Orlantha’s forces, including Emilio, by the river bed, hoping that by holding them there they could avoid further damage to the town.  That battle, though tactically a sound plan, went very poorly.  Orlantha brought powerful undead with her, and with the test still in place, her biata troops went after only non-biata, leaving the undead to engage anyone and basically overwhelm the few fighters present.  Orlantha it seemed, had brought sufficient forces to take the town once and for all. 

Orlantha could have won the day then, but for some reason, possibly her own amusement, and possibly a unwillingness to risk failing the test of the Stone by indirectly causing the deaths of the biata present, she again ordered her forces off the field, but not before torturing some of the defenders and gloating about their failing defenses.  It was at this battle that the adventurers learned that Baron Ivan Drake of Blythdale had been captured by Orlantha’s forces, as she took the field wearing his baronial cornet. 

That night, one of the Ashban patrols ran into a Dominion scout squad, consisting of only biata.  Madock became enslaved, and was ordering the rest of the patrol group to back off.  Amaranthus then made a deal with the squad leader to trade himself for Madock’s safety.  This was accepted, and Amaranthus was brought to Orlantha. 

By Sunday it was clear that the adventurers would not survive another full assault on an open field without allies.  In the distance, a great battle could be heard, and the image of the Duke riding a gryphon and battling Dominion riders was seen in the distance over the hill.  Around this time, a patrol group arrived by the river just too late to save Lord Sir Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik and his escorts who were apparently trying to break through the lines.

The adventures planned a worst case scenario defense:  In the event of a full assault, they had rigged the tavern with explosive traps and were going to hold as long as they could, and then planned on dropping the tavern down on their enemies while the youngest adventurers made a break for the mountains. 

Before any attack occurred, the adventurers were approached by Ashban forces who came to warn them about siege weapons being moved into position on the Fairdale side of the river.  The adventurers took a chance and attacked the weapons.  Luckily they were not well guarded, and were being used not for ground warfare, but as an anti gryphon weapons, as they were enchanted.  They burned the giant ballista and returned to town. 

The ballista’s destruction allowed His Grace to finally arrive in town and reinforce us, and not a moment too soon.  Orlantha, having just failed the Homestone’s trials, realized her hold on the area was slipping and launched a full attack.  Knowing Orlantha’s skills, and how she could influence the fight if left to roam, Amaranthus challenged her to honor combat, blades only, saying it was a “personal matter.”

Orlantha was defeated and her followers fell soon thereafter, dispirited, and within a few days, the area was reclaimed.  Emilio was later obliterated by Sir Eros.

 


Biata Homestone Discovered in Contested Lands

 

As many are aware, biata keep a small homestone to themselves which remembers for them;  when they die, their memories are taken to a large homestone, which saves the memories so that ancestors can relive their relative’s experiences.

A Homestone was found in the mountains near Fairdale, which was revealed to the biata through a series of prophecy dreams, the most powerful coming duing the Ducal Ball held at the time of the Tournament.  Thessi Ambassador Olpheus Borik and members of the Dominion, led by Orlantha, also became aware of the homestone, and a race began wherein Icenian biata hoped to obtain the guardianship of the homestone over their enemies.

The homestone, being semi-sentient, set a series of tests to all three groups, the details of which were not made available to the Ashbury Times. It is known, however, that the stone commanded that no biata fight against another, which made the battle against the Dominion quite interesting.

Amaranthus Landcharmer, Gwendara Alanik, and Zatarina Norik took the tests for the local biata and passed, much to the anger of their enemies.  It was not a clear consensus, however, and arguments between Amaranthus and Zatarina echoed through Fairdale.  

Biata elder Xapano Corak of Bloodstone later came to Ashbury to speak to the local biata, and he revealed that it was decided that guardianship of the new homestone would be left to a new Council, like the Bloodstone and Hopewell Councils, to be led by Amaranthus and Zatarina.  The two apparently are wary of each other, but hope to bring other biata into the Council in the future.

 


Dryad “Children of Autumn” Appear

 

In the August month of the year 608, members of a new race of seemingly civil beings found their way back to Fortannis. During strange matters involving a magical hourglass, dozens of adventures from several continents and many lands report to have mystically traveled to a land called Deshavitara. Until recently this land has been unheard of to any in Icenia and the continent of Deshavitara supposedly remains encapsulated within the magical hourglass.

Though several strange native races of monsters and civilized folk were sighted within the hourglass, members of one race seem to have escaped with the adventurers from the hourglass. Since August, a dryadic people have reportedly been spotted in various lands across Fortannis. These plantlike beings have been called dryads by many, but they do not seem to be directly related to the immortal fae. They appear instead to be mortal, intelligent folk with many peculiar differences from other plantlike beings such as the mystical fae or the monstrous spracta.

Initially four individuals of this race appeared in the lands of the hourglass and it is believed that these folks were the first of this race to travel back from Deshavitara into Fortannis. They call their people “the Children of Autumn” and they claim to have originated on Fortannis, thousands of years ago when the land was, they say, one continent. Of these four, two have been sighted traveling in Caldaria and in Laerthan. Little is known of whether these creatures have yet traveled to lands beyond.

The first four Children spoke with Lady Knight Glorianna Wyndancer and other adventurers from various nations. Several pertinent characteristics of the race were discussed. According to reports there are four sub-types of Children: Thorns, akin to the plants of the forest; Barkskins, similar to trees; Reeds, found mostly in the wetlands; and Spores, fungal types who prefer caves. They seem to be waking and coming forth from under the ground, supporting their claims to have come not just from Deshavitara but Fortannis that was. As the Children wander, they say, the presence of one will wake others sleeping in the ground around them.

All reports have indicated that this is indeed a civilized race, with an apparent aversion to metal and a strong kinship to the forest. Many adventurers have been seen traveling with the Children of Autumn, but the specific motives of these recently-woken beings remain unclear.


Hadley Moonstream Flees Icenia

 

Hadley Moonstream has fled the Kingdom of Icenia and has been spotted in both the Deadlands of Larethan and the Kingdom of Caldaria.  He is a shadow mage, and is in possession of an artifact called a void shard.  He is extremely dangerous and if spotted should be reported to the nobility immediately.  He is known to have near limitless resources at his disposal and will likely return to Icenia to consolidate his power base, the Shadow Ring organization.

 


Adventurer Commentary AboutWayday

 

By Spidereye (with Kotual’s help;  presented unedited by the Ashbury Times staff

I gotta say. Way Day is stoopit. Walkin aroun’ getting bonked on the head for no good reason. I made sure to show stoopit kobolds what were abou’ though. I got my fair share of bonks on them, I counabou’ six counterbonks  by myself. Other’ were doin’ their fair share, like Mattock. He bonked more than I did. There was even the kobold who came into the commo’ room early one mornin’ with the frakkin’ bell and tried to bother me. It didn’ work, and Alymere chased you and turned you into long, bloody, kobold ribbons. Nothin’ wakes me up. Even then, when the kobolds ambushed us and fought face to face, we kicked them in their yippity-yippity tails. So a note to all kobolds – Yippity-yip SHUT UP! We’ll see what you got nest year.

The real problem o’ the Way Day was stoopit poison. Not even good poisons like death or vomit, stoopit ones like love and caring and tenderness and… wait, I found the vomit.

Someone was conjecturately poisoning peoples with the Love Potion Number 9. They was doin’ it in a big web too. Things were confusing, but I try to explain it all best I can.

I get knocked out in Way Day, I wake up. I in love with Ren Suzume.  I spend that night drunk and confessin’ feelings that I got no right confessin’. All the othe’ peoples was laughing at me, but who cares, I was in love and most importantly… I was wasted.

There’s two parts to this crazy story, the special, lovy-dovy, make-you-wanna-hurl part, and the part that makes you feel not safe to ever have a feeling ever again. Maybe them Stone Elves have a good idea…

Here’s the first part- I may not got any right confessin’ the things I did, but I came up with cleve’ stuff for Ren Suzume. I know she can’t like any of it, bein’ Stone Elfy an’ all, but they was good. I amazed her with my conjecturate knowledge of the blade. Types and parts of a sword are what I know bes’. The next day, I scalped a gray-haired goblin for her. Everyone knows old gobs are rare, bein’ as such we like to kill ‘em young. I picked some nice flower’ still drippin’ dirt an’ everythin’. I put chalkdust on my face to look more Stone Elfy too, an’ even had Mad Cap use some weirdo magic to make me talk like a Stone Elf. I was gettin’ discouraged, even though I knew she was a Stone Elf an’ didn’t care so I did one last thin’. I cut the finger off of a kobold I kill’ in single combat, got a nice ring from Wynter Rose, Alymere helped me write a hikoo an’ I gave that all to her. All cleve’ stuff, but I had to give up the impossible.

Here’s the secon’ part- I was fightin’ kobolds durin’ the day down by the river, when Oogra Dod Bringa needed her armor refit. I refit the armor and go to leave, but her eyes stay on mine for just that little bit too long. I take abou’ three steps away before I realize…her too. The stoopit poisoner got her too an’ somehow got me involved… again. So now Oogra is loved to me and I is loved to Ren Suzume. After the battle, I stay down by the river to clear the thoughts in my brain. When my friends all come down to find me, Oogra comes too and demands to know why I have been changin’. She decides that to fix it all she would go kill Ren Suzume. Now, I know Ren Suzume is a powerful mage, but when there is High Orc coming to kill you and you don’ know about it… chances are it’ll be bad for you. I agreed to go to the tavern dinner with her to talk and keep her from killin’ folk she shouldn’ be killin’. We argue and she demands honor combat. We fight to the rez. Instead of lettin’ her honor carry through, her brother brings her back to life. So she demands another fight and again people don’ let her carry out her honor. We scream at each othe’ and Phart tries to calm her, but nothing works. As for the rest of that … figure it out for yourself.

So remember when Way Day is about…sometime’ it is not the kobolds you have to watch out for…

 


Mage’s Guild Report

 

Greetings to you all.  I recently returned to Fairdale from some months away barding to find a smiling Guildmaster Aloysius waiting to greet me in our newly expanded Guild Hall.  Though I thought his elation was due to the renovations (which are quite nice, I must say again) I soon learned there was another reason for his eagerness to speak with me.   Aloysius, it seems, has been promoted.  And thusly, he will be taking a new post away from Fairdale suited to his stature in the Royal Guild.

In a meeting that Friday night with the few highest ranking members of the Guild present, Aloysius asked me to take his place as Guildmaster of the Fairdale Mage’s Guild and I did accept this honor.  Guildmaster Aloysius has since been busy preparing me for my new role and responsibilities.  I wish to thank him personally and publicly for all of the hard work he has put in to building and leading the guild thus far in a place we all know was not his first choice to be stationed.  I would also like to thank Guildsmen Wizards Symerille and Ren for all of the assistance and logic they have continuously brought to the guild and myself during times of need. 

 My first duty as Guildmaster will be to finish organizing the Guild so that membership and benefits are more clearly defined, and the purpose of the Guild becomes more apparent to Fairdale and the surrounding areas.  I have a lot of work cut out for me over the winter, but when spring comes I hope you all will come and visit us at the guild and see me or our members for any of your celestial or scholarly needs.  I do intend on expanding the Guild’s stock of scrolls and services and any merchant interested in discussing business with the Guild can contact me for an appointment.   

Lastly, I would like to briefly touch upon our charter.  I have scoured the Guildhall for accurate records of our current members, and have compiled a list below including rank in no particular order.  If you are not on this list it is because I could not find your admissions application.  To be honest, I am also lacking some of the applications for the members on this list as it is (poor record keeping, this will be corrected). 

 Mage’s Guild Current Charter:

Guildsman Squire Symerille Foxfire

Guildsman Wizard Aria Devonshire

Guildsman Wizard Ren Suzume

Apprentice Wizard Eldarion Avari

Apprentice Joaquinn Illiam

Apprentice Landiara

Initiate Alushtas

Initiate Dame Daralassia

Initiate Dame Glorianna Wyndancer

Initiate Dazzle

Initiate Lark

If you do not see your name on the list, contact me.  If you do see your name on the list and have questions about the guild ranking system, contact me.  If you just want to play a game of Dockside Hold’em with a wizard who has lived there for most of his life, contact me.  But most importantly, if you wish to join our ranks and learn about Celestial Magic and so much more, contact me. 

Thank you all, I look forward to continuing my service to his Grace, the Royal Guild, and the people of Fairdale.

 Wizard Nathan Westwind

Guildmaster, Fairdale Mage’s Guild

Elemental Warden of Icenia


Healer’s Guild Report

I wish to start my report with extreme and grateful thanks to many members of the Healer’s Guild.

The Guild has gone to great lengths to have my bad health noticed as little as possible so as not to let our enemies know our weakness. It has come to my attention my health must be publicly stated, for assumed actions are being said as fact. Thus ill accusations are being made.

If I am not on the battle field when healing is being called for, especially Life spells, it is because I can not physically be there. Those who don’t know or have forgotten, please understand I can not do any form of healing arts when I am unable to leave the Guild or do much moving for health reasons, especially when I am connected to my blood-alchemy device. Due to my bad condition, I can not charge into the middle of the fray of battle as I once did. I do my best to hide my pain, but sometimes I cannot. When I am in so much pain I can not walk and breathing becomes difficult, I can not move.  Balls does a great job at keeping body guards who also serve as a body carrier to me.

On a happier note, we now have a new room all our own, built off the common room. We have a full alchemy lab, potion lab, weird candy games, fine chocolate, warmth, and an a open library containing volumes of information.  Evenings I will always try to be there from dark on. However, from 2 or 3 am on I prefer to let those invested who do not need sleep to run the Guild.

Each guild member is required to do one hour a weekend. Invested members as well as those wishing to be invested are required to do two hours. Nobles are the only ones exempt from this. I state the hours because we do have hot tea and refreshments when the tavern is closed.

We now have an additional Homestone for the biata of these lands. It was achieved by honesty over greed, a sacrifice for honor. I am not going to put in print the finite details. If some one wishes to know more, you can speak to me in private. For a mental attribute race, this is a very important. The fact it is now associated with our laws rather than the Thessi or the Dominion is ground breaking to many of us.

As of  a few weeks from now, a new year will begin. I wish the best to everyone. If any of you need me for anything you can contact me in Bloodstone.

Zaterina Nar Norik

 

 


Letters

 

The Siege of Fairdale was an example of something I never thought possible.  I saw few, so very few, stand against many, and stop the advance of a force which knows no mercy, and no restraint.  The forces of the Riedic Legion under Orlantha Rotewut Riedic should have swept Fairdale aside like so much dust in the wind.  While this was so, I was witness to a handful of common folk, with no military or noble leaders, rise to the defense of that small outpost, and hold against all odds.  Resources were used to their best ability, people fought hard, and sacrifices were made. 

I will never forget those that stood by me on the first night of the siege, doing whatever they could to stop the Obliteration Ritual that was being cast on me.  Orlantha wanted to see us break, to see us run in fear.  She wanted us to loose hope before she claimed her victory.  Together we turned her arrogance and hubris against itself, we held on, and we bought the time needed for the army to strike back.  We did these things together, as one small group dedicated to a cause. 

Which bring me to my true point in all this rambling ink.  In my travels I have heard whispers and tales.  I see the fear and apprehension yet no one is willing to speak.  War is coming, but not with the Dominion or some other great foe, but with our selves.  A Civil War over the rights of Blood and the rights of Land.  Icenians killing Icenians over the throne.

I beg and implore the leadership of this great Kingdom, do not let it come to this.  Do not let our passions divide us at a time when unity is needed most.  I know all too well the dangers of such passions.  Orlantha was stopped at Fairdale by the power of our unity and our ability to come together.  Tagas Riedic will not simply sit idle if we turn on ourselves, he will strike, and it is a blow we can ill afford.  I beg again, do not let it come to full war.  If blood must be shed then let it be our enemy’s, as one unified Kingdom.

I remain a loyal servant of Icenia,

Amaranthus Landcharmer 

 


News From Around the Duchy

 

The Barony of the Ash Forest

 

Aldin Mirk:  After personally reviewing the case, Baron Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil has determined that the convicted necromancer’s claims of torture are unfounded and he has suffered an obliteration as punishment for his crimes.

 

Elindil: Officials are searching feverishly for the whereabouts of more than 20 horses that were stolen from local farmers in this estate.

 

South Point: It is said that Dame Daralassia is personally investigating a murder in this estate known for its casinos and tourism.  Apparently, she is concerned about the affect such violent crimes might have on the economy (and hence, her taxes). 

 

Zinfelendin: After some deliberation, the baronial court of the Ash Forest has decided not to bring action against the local hermit who claims to be the true ruler of the forest.  Locals are divided as to whether this is the proper course of action.  Some believe that the hermit is simply suffering from mental illness while others have stated that Baron Roriiathanderhil Colaenlothrodarhil’s refusal to involve himself in this issue may be an indication that the hermit’s claims are valid.

 

The Barony of Blythedale

 

Dragonhart:  Local official Ternis Kave is rumored to have returned, though no one seems to have actually seen him.

 

Ector: The Metalfire Guild announced that they have completed the purchase of three local smithies, expanding their already dominant market share in this estate.

 

Greystone: Squire Aven continues to spearhead the investigation into the strange disappearances of Blythedale Squires Tellis and Lokegon, though it is reported that substantial clues are evasive.

 

The Barony of Nordenn

 

Barrowdowns:  Three young sisters have been accused of committing necromancy.  Their father was killed in a farming accident, but several days later he was found working on the farm, animated as an undead!

 

Crystal Falls: The local mining operation of Bleyman and Sons reports that there has been some suspicious damage done to their equipment.  One foreman was overheard blaming workers from the Hershander Company who lost the lucrative bid to mine a recently discovered deposit of gems.

 

Firwood: Residents are astounded at the unusual beast a local hunter recently killed while tracking deer.  The beast is rumored to look somewhat like a horse, but it has three heads, each with a horn!  Locals have begun calling the strange creature a “tricorn.”

  

The Ducal Fiefs

 

Dara’s Grace:  Serving as the front line in the war against the Dominion, the economy of this estate has grown rapidly in the past year as tradesmen and adventurers seek out opportunities here.

 

Suvina: Residents of the town of Gristle are complaining that the patriarch of a prominent herding family, Jenner Towson, is demanding illegal fees from the other herdmasters.  Several fights have broken out as a result and it is reported that one person has resurrected.

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

by Sue D’Onym

Hello, drearies.  Here is the latest News They Don’t Want You To Know!

In light of Baron Ivan Drake’s recent abduction, Squire Garathon von Storm is apparently taking the baron’s safety quite seriously.  As the baron’s personal bodyguard, Garathon has ordered that Baron Ivan be accompanied by no less than 50 soldiers whenever he leaves the baronial manor in Greystone! And was that envy on Squire Aven’s face when the newly rescued Baron Ivan had Syriah in his arms? Then again, both Aven and Syriah are mystic wood elves. Maybe they could share.

I heard a rumor that Wendell Lapointe, the guy who was in charge of this whole Halloween ritual thing, is a mummy! Well, he is bald.

Some adventurers are concerned about the health of Wizard Ren Suzume recently as she appears to be showing visible signs of stress and has snapped at several people in seeming frustration.  Apparently folks have been asking her if she is feeling alright.  I thought stone elves didn’t feel anything!  But apparently asking her only seems to make her worse. She certainly seemed to be angry at another shall-remain-nameless stone elf recently.  Then again, she was seen having some pretty intense conversations with Guildmaster Nathan Westwind. Professional chat is one thing; private talks by candlelight are another.

Speaking of frustration, Nathan was seen exchanging heated words with Amaranthus Landcharmer over the use of dangerous Ritual Magics to summon and fight the Halloween Kings.  Walking away to his new Guild hall, the Wizard was heard exclaiming that since everyone is expected to stay out of the affairs of biata, it would be nice if Amaranthus could return the favor sometime.

The healer known as Kiem Grammus recently returned to Fairdale after leaving abruptly immediately following the town’s destruction of the Phoebus Vitiate and fleeing of the vampires.  He was seen giving away his valuable items to his friends before he left, and some of them even went searching for him when he didn’t return for several months.  When asked where he had been for all this time he claimed he couldn’t recall exactly and now even his closest friends are keeping a watchful eye on this wayward healer. 

That’s all for this month. I know, that’s not much for a newspaper that hasn’t published for four months.  Well, there is a reason for that, you know.  No matter how much we may beg you to assist us and send in your gossip, hardly anyone does.  So don’t go getting mad at me.  It’s partially your responsibility to keep me informed!

So until next time, remember – If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 


Public Notices

 

THE OLIVER SONGBRINGER School is currently recruiting teachers in all subjects, including but not limited to: Reading and Writing, History, Arithmetic, Laws, The Code of Chivalry, All manner of weapon skills, Magic both Earth and Celestial, Alchemy, as well as various life skills.  If you are interested, please speak to Man-at-Arms Sophia Dawne in Fairdale.

 

TO THE COURT OF THE ASH FOREST and those who traveled beside them: Friends, thank you for your untiring fight against evil and injustice; I believe that having your swords and spells alongside our own at the Bastion of Finn Castle Keep has helped us in our fights within the Deadlands more than I can express. Should you or your kin ever find need, only ask; you have my sword whenever you wish it. The same can be said for any who travel through the mists to answer the call for help in the restoration of the Deadlands. May the Hawk guide your path, Sevaria of Goshawk

 

SEEKING a magic item with a dodge stored inside. Also interested in trading for other types of magic. Also seeking instructors willing to teach teamwork, history, law, and various types of lore to inexpereinced adventurers. Please contact Sparktet Bone Littlebeard in the dream world or have a missive delivered to the Broad Elm Farm in the Ash Forest.

 

TO ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE INFORMATION: My Name is Dargon Remtalia Stormsinger, I have not been in around in a few years as I have been North in Amissara taking care of Family Issues. I am in search of any Information on the Crown that came from the Fey Realm and now is held by Sylva. The events that helped get the crown happened in Summer or Fall of 607 in Ashbury. I Would like to know what came of that situation and also I have a personal problem that arose out of that encounter with Sylva in the Fey realm. If there are any scholars out there who may be able to help, please contact me.