Chaos Released from Way Station Wrecks Havoc

Earlier this year a number of Ashbans visited the Way Station, an interplanar 'tavern.' It was there that they witnessed the release of the raw chaos trapped within the center of the multiverse. It is theorized that this Chaos spread rapidly across the entire multiverse, and headed towards our plane of existence, centering on the source of the original rift--which happened to be Ashbury city.

On November 4th at 12:16 in the morning, this wave of raw, primal Chaos swept over Ashbury. This deluge of Chaos caused widespread pandemonium in Ashbury City and its surrounding lands. Minor rifts spontaneously opened and closed in random locations. These rifts spewed out raw Chaos, random spells, chaos elementals, and all manner of things. All the undead in the area were infused with chaos, and received random abilities, including the ability to walk in the sunlight. Ward spells apparently began malfunctioning, with Ward Keys opening different Ward locks. Creatures of Chaos such as chaos elementals, so-called "chaos critters," and brood rifted onto this plane, appearing all over town. Children (who had never been able to before) began resurrecting after their deaths, and it appeared that all those who resurrected remembered their deaths. Some spells began slightly malfunctioning, and it was discovered that the spells Resist Toxins and Magic Key can no longer be made into potions or scrolls. Even ritual magics were effected by the Chaos, with the results of casting such rituals highly unpredictable.

At the same time the wave of Chaos hit, three powerful chaos creatures also appeared. The three were apparently embodiments of different forces of Chaos and each seemed to be working against the others.

Myxl was a glib little creature called a "Chaos Imp." Myxl claimed that he embodied the forces of both Chaos and Life. He also claimed that he was not a minion of chaos but was merely "random."

The second of these chaos creatures was named Kaitlynn. She claimed to be the "Queen of Chaos and Death" from the Elemental Plane of Chaos. She and her pet brood "Spike", immediately latched on to a group of travelers from Ravenholt calling themselves The Brotherhood.

The third creature was known only as Plyxt. Unlike the other two, he seemed to have less of an established plan. Plyxt ran wildly around the town randomly committing acts of chaos and generally causing mass confusion. He never seemed to be quiet or still for a moment, and was always gibbering or talking.

All three of these Chaosspawn befriended numerous townsfolk and travelers with their presents of "Chaos Powers." With her kiss, Kaitlynn bestowed a number of The Brotherhood with an assortment of random abilities. By biting the necks of his chosen, Myxl bestowed his powers of Chaos to Members of Trellheim, Aislinn the Half orc, Galoran Strongblade, and numerous others. Plyxt forced his "Seeds of Chaos" down the throats of random passerby endowing them with new skills.

These three creatures would have had free reign in Ashbury, spreading their Chaos across the whole town, if it was not for the efforts of the forces of Order.

Early Saturday night, a large glowing metal sphere suddenly appeared in the wood near the Dragon's Flagon. Traveling within this sphere was a being known as Taris "the Star Mage." Taris was made of pure eldritch energy, and claimed to be a minion of the Element of Order. He had one of his bone golems travel the town and return to him with Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht, Squire Ivan Drake, and Unrok Garror--all of whom in Taris' opinion represented order.

Taris then underwent a strange ritual that imbued these three individuals with the Element of Order, with each embodying a different aspect of Order. Taris sent these three champions of Order out to combat Chaos. The efforts of the three were later aided by Taris himself. Patrolling the town, the Star Mage sought out the people who had contact with the chaos creatures, and purged them of the Chaos taint that they were infected with.

Taris also instructed his three Champions of Order that there was a way to contain the Chaos on Tyrra by reforming the Seals that had been broken at the Way Station. To do this they needed a person that embodied each of the Elements: Life, Death, Order and Chaos.

In the meantime, Guildmistress Daphne Green had been visited by Angus the Life Elemental who understood the situation and invested her with the powers of Life. The Element of Chaos was apparently strongest within Rake the sarr and Kheldar and Darius of The Brotherhood. Apparently, an aspect of Death also appeared and imbued Hamlet of the Harvest Moon with the essence of Death.

Taris stated that required for the reforming of the Seals was a direct link to the Plane of Chaos. It seemed that at late Saturday afternoon such a link was opening.

Taris detected a rift to the plane of Chaos opening, and he believed that such a rift was suitable . However this slowly widening rift had what Taris called a "Sphere of Chaos" around it. This sphere acted like an enormous desecrate, but its powers were concentrated against only the strongest of living things.

Concerned, Taris gathered together a group of adventurers who could slip inside the sphere and attempt to close the rift. Taris chose Solemn Judgement to lead this expedition, and instructed him in the proper ritual to close such a rift. Solemn organized a group consisting of Shawn MacMorna, Rocco Bumblebutt, Robert Oakwood, Sengir, Krynn and Dislar Blackbane, Christain Van Helme, Jared the Wise, Devin Yazaren, Calis Blackheart, Jesryn Moryn, Luck Blade, Darian Stoneclaw, and Salvatory Econo. After fighting off wave after wave of Chaos creatures, the brave group finally reached the heart of the Rift and Solemn began the ritual. With his successful completion, there was a flash of energy and the slowly widening gate to the plane of Chaos was closed.

By Sunday morning it seemed that a suitable rift would never be found. However, shortly after the town dispatched a brood queen, Kaitlynn rifted in, followed by a huge Chaos elemental. The elemental said that this plane was now his and that his armies would soon come and crush all resistance. Motioning to the Brotherhood (who had sat out the battle against the brood), he thanked them, calling him his "minions" (much to apparent surprise and bewilderment of some of the members of the Brotherhood). Then, with an evil peal of laughter, the elemental ripped open a permanent rift to the Plane of Chaos and disappeared.

This was the link Taris was looking for--however, his Champions could not gather all the Aspects of each element required to create the seals. Hamlet had not been seen since the night before and both Kheldar and Darius had made themselves scarce.

The gathered townspeople went to the inn where the Brotherhood was staying and it appeared that there would be a battle. Words between Baron Thomas and members of The Brotherhood were harsh, and their disrespect of him was apparent. Arguments between the Baron and Sir Konrad complicated matters, and in the end, the Brotherhood left town unharmed.

Ashbury City now has a permanent rift outside the Dragon's Flagon, and Chaos still runs rampant.


Necromancer Accolan Defeated By His Own Device

The necromantic hobling Accolan, creator of the Cause Serious Wounds spell, suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Ashban adventurers but not before he could cause a bit more chaos to be added to Ashbury's huge mix.

Over a year earlier, Accolan had encountered some adventurers who had infiltrated his swamp tower. Inside the tower had been a mysterious green crystal of great necromantic power.

Accolan's presence was once again felt on Friday night, November 3, when an invitation floated through town, addressed to Her Grace, the Duchess. It seemed to be held by a poltergeist, and it avoided any attempts to be taken by any other than the Duchess. Those who got too near were pelted by rocks.

The document invited the Duchess and seven guests to a dinner party to be held in their honor, hosted by "The Wizard Glommus Accolon."

The Duchess delegated Lord Magistrate Faustaus and Sir Keliel to investigate the matter. The Lord Magistrate and Sir Keliel gathered a group of compatriots, including Squires Algar and Jonathan, as well as Natasha the gypsy.

At midnight, they were met by Accolan's manservant Edward and his entourage of four undead in the middle of the swamp. Edward greeted them politely and asked them to follow him and his servants to "the master." The stalwart party was led down a long tunnel, and at the bottom, Edward lowered the two wards upon the tower. Algar used the opportunity to attack one of the undead but the rest of his group did not aid him, and he was politely asked to stop. Without the support of the others, he relented.

They were then led through an antechamber into the main dining hall. There, a ghoulish, greenish glow infused the room, emanating from a large green crystal situated by the table. Upon the table was laid out a feast, and sitting at the head was the hobling necromancer Accolon himself, in all his undead glory. He welcomed the adventurers to his humble abode, and bade them to sit.

"First, I would like to thank you all for coming," the undead hobling screeched. He went on to explain that they were welcome to eat and indulge themselves. After all, the party was in their honor. Accolon expressed his thanks to all of Ashbury for awakening him just over a year ago; and chastised them for trying to destroy his crystal, which he called Mortis Magica. He then asked Natasha how the duchy was going, apparently mistaking her for the Duchess.

Suddenly, the group was almost blinded by a bright green flash emanating from the crystal. Green energy seemed to fill Accolon's small form, and he began shouting incoherently "The power, the chaos, my tower, it's rising! I can feel the chaos!" At the same time, a deep rumbling shook the tower as it rose out of the swamp. In retrospect, it is obvious that this occurance happened at exactly the same time the Wave of Chaos that had been released from the Way Station hit Ashbury.

Infused with the power, Accolan then turned to the group. "Leave now!" he shouted, in a deep voice at odds with his screeching of before. Then he told them to bring him the spirit of Taris, the Starmage, for supposedly killing his Shire. If Ashbury did not, he threatened to destroy the town with his crystal. When the party did not leave fast enough, he encouraged them with Cause Serious Wounds spells, until they hurried and left.

At this point, it seemed grim for Ashbury. Two wards stood between them and Accolon, and Taris was an asset the town could not afford to lose. However, one of Accolan's death rogues by the name of Kelar entered town with a proposition; if the town would cast a Gift of Life ritual upon him, he would give them two duplicate ward keys to enter the tower. In the beginning, no one believed him, and attempted to kill him. However, he appeared to be resistant to every attack they made upon him, and in time Baron Thomas and others came to aid him in his quest.

With the help of the Baron, Sir Konrad, Lord Hanson, Galoran, and a traveling Evendarrian paladin named Ayse Yilmaz, Sir Kelial was able to successfully cast the Gift of Life upon Kelar; in return he presented them with two duplicate ward keys.

That night, the town gathered to invade the tower. Inside were hoards of undead. Slowly but surely they fought their way to the top of the tower. There, only Accolon, Edward, and a few of his undead waited. However, the town soon found that Accolon was to be more of a challenge than they had originally planned.

Inside a permanent circle of power, Accolan taunted them, and asked them to leave and return with the spirit of Taris so that he might kill the Starmage. Unfortunately, the assembled adventurers were often too loud for Accolon's voice to be heard. To gain their attention, he began releasing waves of chaos from his crystal. These moving barriers of green light washed over the tower, and all were hit by Cause Serious Wounds and Cause Critical Wounds. That got everyone's attention.

Eventually, Lord Morgan coerced Accolon to show his true chaotic powers by taunting him for hiding behind his circle and calling him a "closet minion of chaos." At that, Accolon's anger grew and with a threatening gesture, he drew upon the full power of his crystal. All watched in horror as the green gem glowed brighter and brighter as the power surged through the hobling. Fortunately, it proved to be too much for his body, and a second after his eyes grew big with surprise, he exploded into a number of very small pieces.

His circle went down, and the crystal began pulling everyone and everything towards it like a gigantic sinkhole. Edward, who had been next to the crystal, was seen jumping into. The assembled adventurers raced for the door, struggling against the pull of the evil gem. The tower began to once more sink into the swamp and appeared to be pulling much of the swamp down with it. All of the adventurers were able to escape, and further investigation into the area shows that the landscape has changed dramatically and that no evidence of the tower could be found.


Brood Queen Destroyed Under Ashbury River

On the Saturday afternoon after the Chaos was released, a strange bluish and slippery creature was seen walking through Ashbury. It appeared to be a scavenger of some sort; though many mistook it for a monster. However, "it" was Psicanti, a dolphin scavenger from the legendary city of Undersea.

Scavenger legend tells of a city of scavengers, safely underwater; a once thriving city that traded with many of the human kingdoms. No one had heard of it in over a hundred years until Psicanti entered Ashbury. He told other scavengers, who he trusted before any others, of his city and the brood infestation that had taken hold under the water. Many townsfolk had fought brood earlier on that day and the night before, but none knew the whereabouts of the queen.

As Psicanti related his tale, a horrifying story unfolded. Undersea, protected by its location from most dangers for many years, was taken by surprise when hordes of brood rifted in some time after midnight on Friday night. Their populace was quickly devastated, and the council convened. They decided to call for aid from the adjoining human realms. Scouts had found the caves the brood had been coming from; they had once been the route traders used to come to Undersea. There was a surface entrance to these caves as well as the underwater one, but none alive knew the route anymore. Psicanti was sent to get aid from the humans above, and to find the above-ground entrance to the hive.

Four members of the Wolf Pack (Winterclaw, Mystique, Urrak, and Kurn) along with Hagen Merrick and one other were given potions with which they could breathe water for an hour. The six accompanied Psicanti to the underwater entrance of the hive. They began to fight their way through the hive full of brood, but were overwhelmed. Paralyzed and cocooned, they were brought helpless to the queen's lair. There, in her egg pit, she infected each with her seed.

Mystique was unparalyzed first, and quickly swam away to call upon the aid of the town. However, she did not know where the surface entrance was located and was unable to bring the assembled townsfolk to help her friends. When the rest of the group was capable of movement again, they searched once more through the maze to find the surface exit. Strangely, the brood infesting the entire maze would no longer attack any of them. Confused, cold, and tired, the five eventually found their way into air-filled passages. Slowly they made their way through a maze of rock and coral. At one point, they found an old sunken ship; at another, the walls began to become dry. They followed these dry walls until the light of day was seen ahead. Passing through a rock arch, they once again were upon the surface.

The next morning, Psicanti gathered the citizens of Ashbury to help his people destroy the queen. He explained that Undersea would be unable to help, as lizardmen were utilizing the sudden weakened state of his city to try and conquer it. As he led them to the cavern, it split. Down one passage were the drones and warriors; the other housed the executioners and warlords. The town battled its way towards the queen's hive.

Suddenly, townsfolk began transforming into brood as the queen released her spores into the air. Ashbury had to turn upon its own to restrain their now-brood friends, but fortunately, the chaos had wreaked havoc with her spores, and the townsfolk who did transform found themselves restored after five minutes.

However, a few, including Hagen and Psicanti, found themselves transformed into brood queens, and did not transform back. Others also had to die in order to remove the brood within.

Eventually the town made its way into the center of the hive, and they were met there by the queen in all her power where she was defeated.

Unfortunately, Mortimer was deathed and no more Life spells were available for him. His spirit was too weakened to resurrect; it was a tragedy for him and the town.


Gypsy Terror

Recently the gypsy known as the Puzzlemaster has been seen in town meeting privately with the gypsies of Ashbury. He will not allow other races into their discussions and has apparently been leading the town's gypsies on some sort of quest.

While most of the town was off fighting Accolon and his minions in the tower, a gaseous form entered the gypsy owned Dragon's Flagon. The form solidified and as it did everyone was repelled away. The figure once solidified appeared to be a yellow skinned man with the word "Marhime" written on his face in blood red letters.

Gypsies were the only ones able to approach it, and as they did, it began to laugh. Lithitar threw a Flame Bolt at it, but it seemed to have no effect. Camilla also attacked it, but her blows did not seem to hurt it.

Lithitar and Camilla decided to run from this monster and tried to get to the Ducal Manor House and the protection of its ward. The creature kept them away from it, hurling Camilla from the doorstep as if she weighed nothing.

They ran again to the Gypsies' encampment, but again the creature kept them away, all the time mocking them. Camilla tried to curse it several times, but he seemed to remove the curses as she uttered them.

Finally he stopped playing with them and told them to fear for someone was coming and would have her day. No one, however, can remember the name he said. Lithitar believes that it was a woman's name starting with an A, but he was unsure.

After the warning, the creature attacked Camilla, laying her low, its touch seeming to drain the life from her body. He then turned gaseous and left the field, his laughter still echoing through the air.

The gypsies still don't know who their enemy is, but they know to fear it.


Chessmaster Loses Game, Provides Clue

As predicted, the strange Dragon Mage known as the Chessmaster forced Ashbury to play his battle chess game as the chaos hit. Although Ashbury won the long and dangerous game, the Chessmaster did not provide the answer to defeating the chaos as he had promised, but only sent in a "clue" in his own mysterious way.

The people who had been "chosen" to be chess pieces grudgingly went along with the match and included as pawns Jonah, Kurn, Modi, Nastasha, Ranir, Selina, and Talen (an eighth, Kiegan, never appeared); as rooks Galoran and Squire Hawkwing; as knights Squire Ivan and Templeton; as bishops Guildmistress Daphne and Sir Kelial; as Queen Alexandra; and as King Squire Hagen. Each received strange powers which have since disappeared but which aided in the battle.

The Duchess chose Lord Hanson to represent her in the match and his strategy of the situation aided greatly against the evil gamer. The game was very close and after the Chessmaster lost his temper upon discovering that Galoran had strange chaotic powers, seemed doomed as the dragon mage allowed his fear watchers to use their fears in battle.

Those who were downed were killed requiring Life spells. Fortunately, there were enough available so that no one needed resurrection.

A small battle occurred at one point when Camilla apparently tried to aid some of the chess pieces (which was against the Chess-master's rules). A fear watcher attacked her and many of the citizens watching the match fought in her defense. After a warning from the Chessmaster, Lord Hanson called upon all to stop the attack and the game was able to progress.

The Chessmaster was his usual acerbic self the entire time, berating all around and dropping insults constantly. He threw Death spells at those who dared to ask where his jester golem Harley was (apparently he was quite upset about something to do with her but none could discover what) and he Charmed Blythedale jester Killian to serve as her replacement. Squire Ivan's complaints about the Charming only got the response "Try to imagine how little your concerns mean to me." Killian was Awakened but pretended to still be Charmed to the Chessmaster.

Almost all of the pieces were involved in at least one fight, but Jonah, Kurn and Selina had to brave the cold winds and stand still for the two hours it took to complete the game in order to protect the king.

In the end, the Chessmaster lost graciously, congratulating all for a good game. He was allowed to leave unharmed because he said he would be sending the clue in at a later time, and warned that the town would not receive the clue if he were attacked.

The clue was delivered later that night. The Duchess has not made the clue public but reports indicate that it involves a chart.


Axe of the Dwarven Kings Recovered; Modi Challenges Dwarven King

The enchanted dwarven axe Trollsbane, which had been stolen by brigands several months ago, has again been found. Local dwarves Modi Ioki and Smith along with a dwarf from Dwarvenholm named Ulin performed an ancient dwarven ritual which allows contact with the earth itself to answer questions. All three asked to be informed of the location of the missing axe.

Later that night, Modi and Smith both dreamed of a journey beneath the city, deeper than any of the known explorations have gone. The dream took them through a gate that would only open at midnight.

As companions, they gathered Squire Algar, Galoran, Naerfin, and Natasha, and set off that night into the ruins under Ashbury.

After much traveling, they came to the gate they dreamed of and found undead guarding it. They fought their way through and on the stroke of midnight the gate opened.

Past the gate, they entered the underearth--a land with which the dwarves have warred for hundreds of years. The group encountered and fought members of a race called the Baracoor, hereditary enemies of the dwarves. They fought their way to the Baracoor's guild of wizards where they found the axe sitting on a shield.

No sooner had they defeated the last Baracoor in the guild when another door opened and the adventurers were faced with King Kelanor IV of Dwarvenholm and his party. King Kelanor IV had previously made a claim for rightful ownership of the axe since it had been the axe of his great-grandfather Kelanor I.

That axe had belonged to Squire Thengor Bayor when it had been taken by brigands at the time of the Squire's death last spring. In a series of events too complicated to get into here, Thengor had gone into the past to rescue King Kelanor I, and in gratitude, Kelanor had given the axe to the party that rescued him--a party that included Thengor and Modi.

The dwarves of Dwarvenholm had meanwhile assumed that the axe had been lost, so when it turned up a hundred years later in the hands of Thengor, they were rightly concerned. Kelanor IV came to Ashbury last New Year's to demand the axe but upon learning the story of Thengor's bravery and his great grandfather's wishes, agreed that Thengor should keep the axe.

When Thengor died and the axe disappeared again, Kelanor apparently waited for the right time and followed the same steps as Modi and his crew, arriving seconds after Modi's party, but from a different direction.

Modi was able to grab the axe before Kelanor, and the King demanded that the axe to be returned as his rightful property. Modi laid claim to the axe as Thengor's rightful heir. The situation was tense as Smith supported the King and Naerfin, as assistant sheriff, recognized Modi as Thengor's heir. The situation was made worse by Galoran attacking one of the King's men, apparently for no reason.

Modi and the King argued back and forth, but neither was willing to come to blows over the axe, possibly because both parties had been hurt badly in the attempt to get to the axe's location. When Modi claimed that as possessor of the axe he was therefore King of the Dwarves, King Kelanor was outraged and stormed off to speak to his liege the Duchess.

(It should be noted that at the time of Kelanor I, all of the dwarven tribes in Evendarr had been united under his leadership, but have since broken into separate tribes. Only the dwarves in Dwarvenholm recognize Kelanor IV as their King, and Modi is from a separate tribe in Blackstone.)

Both Modi and Kelanor IV spoke to Duchess Mara at 2:00 AM that morning, each claiming to be rightful owner of the axe. The Duchess informed Kelanor that she knew without doubt that it was the intent of Thengor for Modi to have the axe after him. Kelanor bowed to his liege's judgement and, speaking highly of his regard for Thengor, agreed to this as long as the axe was to be returned to the King or his heirs after Modi's death. He also demanded that Modi give up any claim to the dwarven throne.

Modi said that he would have to discuss the matter with his elders since he was from Blackstone and not under rule by Dwarvenholm. Modi also expressed a desire to spirit link the axe to himself. The Duchess asked him not to do that and said that she will make a final decision on the matter by New Year's.

Since that time, Modi, acting as regent of the estate of the Mages' Guild estate of Diron, has requested all dwarves within the estate to report to him and has required all dwarves passing into the estate to be escorted to him. This has not set well with the many merchant dwarves who do business in the estate and who, being dwarves, are just as stubborn as Modi. After a few were arrested and fined, many of the dwarves have boycotted the estate although so far it has had no major effect on the economy there.

It should be an interesting New Year's party for the dwarves.


Cure For Hornblight Found

The mystic wood elves had almost given up in their hope of finding a cure to Hornblight before the enevitable death from the disease. However, on a clear autumn night night, a satyr came into town looking for mystic wood elves.

The satyr identified himself as Vermillion, and said that he had come to help the mystic wood elves find the evil satyr Shaedum, creator of the scourge, and recover the cure. He told Naerfin and Khevian to gather the other local mystic wood elf adventurers and that he would return on the morrow to lead them to Shaedum's lair.

The next morning, they had only found two others, Lupiticus and Jericho. All were surprised when instead of Vermillion, a wild elf appeared. The wild elf's face was marked by what appeared to be a flowing river, glinting silver. He approached Naerfin and identified himself as Varese, a guardian of his people. Varese informed them that Vermilion was detained and that he was there to lead them to Shaedum's lair. He allowed them to take a healer with them who was not of their race, but insisted that the healer not be of the nobility. The mystic wood elves chose Guildmistress Daphne Green to accompany them.

Varese led them into the woods outside of Ashbury where they found a camp of several large tents. Along the path they were forced to fight several mystic wood elves who were enslaved to Shaedum. When they investigated the tents, they found an alchemist's lab, a greenhouse, and a tent full of captives. The fourth tent proved to contain Shaedum and his cronies. Khevian led the way into Shaedum's tent but was quickly bent to the satyr's will. A long fight ensued between the mystic wood elves and Shaedum's minions who included the bear pooka Gruf and the nymph Alison, both of whom had accompanied Shaedum to Ashbury in September.

Also with them was Troubador, the mystic wood elf chronicler who had been earlier enslaved by Shaedum. The fight went against the brave adventurers and Khevian, Jericho, and Naerfin were all captured. Lupiticus and Daphne Green fled to find help.

The captured group was subdued and forced to watch as Shaedum call forth his lord_and the satyr Prince Firron, the enemy of all mystic wood elves, appeared before them. Firron was pleased by his servants' performance and berated the mystic wood elves as foul offspring of a shameful mating.

In the meanwhile, Lupiticus was returning with reinforcements. He brought a group led by Duchess Mara, Sir Konrad, and Sir Aloryn. Hearing the noise, Shaedum had Gruf destroy his lab and he and Firron fled back to Firron's plane. The adventurers made quick work of Gruf and captured Alison and Troubador.

Troubador was freed from his enslavement. Alison was pronounced innocent by Lord Magistrate Faustus since she was forced to aid Shaedum against her will. She asked the Duchess to allow her to become a citizen but was denied as the Duchess will not allow fae to hold citizenship in Ashbury.

Following the lab notes, Professor Turlough was able to concoct what was listed as a cure for Hornblight. It required many rare herbs and several spells to be cast upon it. When it was applied to the infected mystic wood elves, there was no visible affect. However, the mystic wood elves later discovered that the spells Cure Disease and Restore Limb would fuly restore their health and horns.

Jericho unfortunately perished before the cure could be applied. Apparently he allowed too much time to pass between the application of the cure and the casting of the spells. He resurrected successfully.

Shaedum and Firron are still at large.


Orphans Slaughtered

On the first Friday evening of November, the Shankar Vorg Havenwood Orphanage was found in ruins. Dragon's Flagon owner Camilla went to the orphanage to deliver their normal supply of food but when she arrived, she was confronted with great tragedy.

Apparently, the orphanage was struck by an unknown entity which had slain all of the orphans as well as all of the guards, with the only exception being that one of the orphans was found to be missing.

The orphanage was covered with blood, and there was no evidence as to what had happened other than a set of strange symbols which were drawn in blood around one of the bodies.

The two guards and two of the orphans resurrected, only to be screaming about monsters, skeletons, and shadows coming through the walls and killing everyone. Investigators found it suspicious however that no two descriptions matched.


Kobolds Hold Second Annual Wayday Competition

Last year, the local kobold tribes held their anual Wayday in Ashbury, and the results were less than spectacular. In fact it was hardly noticed by most citizens. This year the kobolds attempted to change that and improve their public relations with the City.

For one the prize this year was upped from a gold dagger to a magic dagger. Other changes included the addition of hidden trap boxes, and the addition of the 'Danger Run'--a deadly obstacle course. Unchanged was the objective of the Wayday: to gain as many points as possible for one's team. Team members gained points through waylaying and disarming traps. The team with the largest combined individual point totals at the end of the event then got to compete in the 'Danger Run' to determine the final winner. Unchanged also were the teams competing_SLAG (Small Lupine Assassin's Guild), KLF (Kobold Liberation Front), LURK (Legion of Underhanded Rapscallion Kobolds), and HOWL (Hobling Organized Waylay League). The Kobolds also once again recruited townsfolk to their teams in an effort to increase their team scores.

The highlights of this year's event were many. Early on in the event, a kobold named Tucker and a Dark Elf by the name of Seige took the lead for their team LURK by waylaying the Duchess in the midst of the tavern. In an attempt to regain the lead for his team, Squelch, the leader of the KLF Wayday Team, attempted to waylay the Chessmaster. Unfortunately this only earned him a swift death at the hands of the Dragon Mage (although his team did get the points).

At the event's close, LURK led, with KLF in second. Thus LURK was the team to take on the Danger Run. Zev of Checkmate fell behind early on due to the effects of the Chaos taint in his body, but Seige and Fayde took an early lead in the run, easily by passing the "Over-under" and the "Pit Jump." However, after passing throught the "Traps" and the "Gauntlet," Francis of Trellheim made a remarkable comeback, and in a full sprint over took the two leading dark elves, winning by only half a stride.

As a prize, Francis now wields the magic Wayday Dagger, apparently the personal weapon of Tucker.


Naerfin Wins Contest

The hobling bard Setkel held a storytelling competition at a recent gathering at the Dragon's Flagon. The competition was judged by the Storyweaver, who had helped the town months ago in its fight against the evil troll king Fangthorn.

There were many entrants, including Killian Drake, Roland Valinor, and Hamlet of the Harvest Moon.

The top three contestants were given prizes. Smith the dwarf took third place and was awarded 5 gold, Siobhan the half orc took second place and was awarded 10 gold, and Naerfin the mystic wood elf took the top prize and was awarded what Setkel called a unique magic item. He did not disclose to any others what the item was however.


Magistrate's Report

by Lord Magistrate Faustus Neumacht

The most serious threat to the Law that binds us together is not the actions of criminals, but the wave of Chaos that has recently assaulted Ashbury. Squire Ivan, Unrok, and I were greatly honored to accept the spirit of Law within us to oppose this force. And yet, arrayed against us were numerous citizens, many who willingly accepted the taint of Chaos in return for powers. Commoners and nobles alike succumbed to the corrupting allure of these powers, and spurned the true principles of Law to serve under the banner of decay and anarchy. As disapointing as this was, at least in the end most recanted and were purged of this rot by Taris, the Starmage.

The reason we were not able to contain the Chaos that continues to spew forth from the rift in the center of town was the absence of Hamlet of the Harvest Moon. He is the epitome, or aspect, of Death--one aspect of each of the higher elements was required to come to together to close the rift. In the end we even found the last willing aspect we needed, one of Chaos, and then Hamlet "disappeared" at the crucial moment.

The night before his disappearance, he pledged his cooperation, but it was later reported that he had stated that Chaos should prevail, so that he might retain his powers of Death. In order to help close the rift, Hamlet would have had to sacrifice his powers. Apparently he was unwilling to do that, despite the dire consequences for Ashbury.

On Sunday morning Hamlet was overheard speaking to the members of the "Brotherhood" (the blue and black garbed visitors from Ravenholt). He said he wanted to be "kidnapped," or for it to appear that way, so that he would not be able to help close the rift, and would thus retain his powers of Death. What happened next is at issue; in one version, the Brotherhood conspired to kill Hamlet, in the other they cast a Charm spell upon him at his request, so that if captured while fleeing it might appear that he had been Charmed to flee. He has not been seen since, and is wanted for Treason.

From the limited testimony, it appears Hamlet did indeed flee Ashbury--as for the other possibility, there was simply not enough evidence to convict the Brotherhood of his Murder. I explain this decision because I know some may question why the Brotherhood was charged only with Conspiracy (for casting a Charm on Hamlet at his request). and fined 8 gold. I know all too well that many in that mob who rushed up to the Brotherhood's dwelling on Sunday morning wished to slay them all, based solely on a "feeling" that these were criminals, or on their past criminal acts in Ravenholt, which they have already paid for.

Yet ours is a society of Law. We cannot succumb to such base, Chaotic desires to strike out at supposed enemies when proof is insufficient. The law protects all equally from such injustice, indeed from such lynching. Better that some guilty go free than that the innocent should wrongly suffer at the hands of the Law.

Perhaps that was the case here, but nevertheless, based on the scant evidence available at the time, I stand by my decision. If anyone has any further information on this case, please relay it to me as soon as possible.

While the forces of Chaos may have won a small victory through treachery, I remain convinced that Law shall inexorably prevail in the end. Do not listen to those who say that Chaos is benign or harmless--it is not. Chaos is corruption, decay, necromancy, and anarchy. In short, it is evil. Boiled down to their fundamental natures; Chaos takes one and makes two, while Law takes two and makes one. I have no doubt that Ashbury, a just society of Law shall thus unite and triumph over this necromantic scourge afflicting our land.

Despite this crisis, there were other legal matters, although some trials had to be postponed (notably the Caleb/drae trial, which will be resolved by the New Year). Three Sessuar slavers were executed for pursuing an escaped slave. I thank Deputy Sheriff Naerfen for his decisive aid in this case. At the feast, an individual poisoned Mason with Halluc-inoid and was fined one gold.

The drae Siege was found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery against Robert and fined two gold. Hamlet was found guilty of Murder against Galloran and sentenced to death. Hamlet, using his powers as the Death aspect, had mystically Channelled three death spells into Galoran. There are irregularities about how the execution was carried out however, and Galoran will face charges of Contempt.

Guildmistress Daphne Green was slain and the Healers' Guild robbed two hours after midnight on Saturday night. Whoever perpetrated this despicable crime likely convinced the Guildmistress to lower the Circle before attacking her, as she was alone within prior to the crime and the Circle was found lowered afterwards.

Finally, the sarr Lude Narcisse challenged the wolf scavenger Kurn to a duel, and soon after attacked, without following the proper procedures (setting terms, getting two witnesses of Guard rank or above). I decided to show some leniency given that the challenge was made in public and was not criminally motivated. He was fined 8 gold, half of which will go to Kurn.


A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D'Onym

Hello everyone! Time for the latest scandals and News They Don't Want You To Know.

Not long after Shalizar gave birth to an orcan son, Unrok packed up all his things and moved out of the house they were sharing in Diron. Could it have something to do with her naming the child after another man? Nobody knows who the mystery man is. Shalizar just says he's a competent fighter who stands by her side and treats her with respect. Definitely doesn't sound like Unrok to me!

Sometimes I wish I belonged to the Shield of Vendamor so that I can thumb my nose at the laws of Ashbury and get away with it. Remember when they assaulted Sir Kelial at the Healers' Guild and then murdered the fellow who had just resurrected? Remember how they were slapped on the wrist and only fined 20 gold? Can you guess how much they've paid of that fine so far? If you guessed "the same amount of respect they show for Ashbury's laws," you're correct!

Modi, meanwhile, has dropped his claim that because he grabbed a specific axe before someone else, he therefore is King of all Dwarves. Duchess Mara has told both him and Kelanor to play nice, so this month's Public Notice in which "M" threatens "K" cannot possibly be those two--right?

The Duchess and Duke Bryan spent the last part of the month traveling to Nordenn on a small vacation, but my sources tell me that they spent a lot of time talking to local biata. Is there a race change in the Duchess' future?

Lady Talia has been overheard saying she's tired of people always trying to take care of her--and the constant affections of Jonah and Sir Pineas only seem to frustrate her more. (Why can't cute little I have problems like that?)

The seemingly 8 year old child known as Lapis was seen pointing at Lord Magistrate Faustus and yelling "You sould never have kids; you're a meanie!" Reports state that the Magistrate shrugged and responded "Yeah yeah yeah, go away little boy."

Siobhan didn't seem at all perturbed when she was insulted by the Chessmaster. "Has it penetrated your tiny little brain that I am ignoring you?" said the Dragon mage angrily. "No!" cheerfully replied our favorite half orc.

Well, that's all the gossip I have for you this month. I'm sure I could have lots more if only people would send me information! Remember, I can't write about you (or your friends or your enemies) if you don't let me know what's going on! So keep those cards and letters coming and until next time, remember--If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me.


Obituary

Mortimer Fallon: The loyal advisor to Baron Thomas Grey of Blythedale died his final death on November 5th while fighting alongside the Baron and other townspeople against a brood hive near the capital city. Mortimer had served the Grey family as a servant and advisor for two generations. Baron Thomas Grey IV, Sir Thomas Grey II, and Lady Talia Grey will be holding a closed casket wake and funeral in the estate of Fenwyck on December 9th. An open invitation to pay respects to the recently deceased member of the Blythedale household has been extended by the Grey family to all citizens of Ashbury. Mortimer's will shall be read after the funeral at a brunch at Grey Manor in Fenwyck.


Public Notices

SIR KONRAD: I must thank you for the opportunity which you gave me. Now the Healers' Guild is sacred ground for us both. A1 FALLS. Very truly yours, Ulvolose, The Scourge of Mortality

K: I AM SORRY that I missed our little midnight meeting. I still wish to speak with you. So if possible, maybe we can meet again? Hope to hear from you soon. Watch your back. - M

KILLIAN DRAKE: I would like to speak to you. - Setkel the bard.

ALL GYPSIES of Clan Servenka are to contact me immediately, no exceptions. My whereabouts are available from the offices of the Ashbury Times. If you do not contact me by New Year's there may be consequences. Also, would all Gypsies in Ashbury City please let me know if you are going to be in town for New Year's. I would like to arrange for Spirit Meet and will need your help. - Natasha Roskaya Servenka

IVAN DRAKE: Greetings. Allow me this opportunity to involve you in my game. I've heard many a great thing about you, enough so that I'll be giving you a chance to compete with me. Of course, you must realize that you have no choice in this matter; as failure to play my game will result in more death. Timothy is quite scared and wishes to go home. Being of kind heart and spirit I have agreed to his pleas. However, his fate depends on you. Timothy is a young boy, only twelve years old. He has a whole life to lead. In fact, he has told me of the fun he's had with the other orphans and asks when he'll be returning. At the next feast, you must drink a pint of elven blood from the neck of any willing or unwilling elf. This must be done in public, in the tavern. Timothy will return to town the next day. Maybe he'll be a little shaken, certainly he'll be a little bit older, but he will be alive. If you do not drink the blood, then I will hold to my word and return Timothy in some form or another. His health and humanity depend on you. Sweet dreams Ivan. More than just Timothy's fate depend on you. - Very truly yours, Ulvolose, The Scourge of Mortality

TO THE LIFE ELEMENTAL who was once Angus Grimsby: Please do not forget what I asked you for. It is not only for me, but for the Guild and for Ashbury. - Daphne Green

TIRED AND BROKE from hunting down monsters only to have bullies in matching tabards take your treasure? Come work for the Commoner's Guild! We do much more than work in the tavern. Dishonest types need not apply. This is an honorable guild. Also bodyguards and workers wanted.

I HAVE FOUND a wonderful person in my life. I have asked her to be my wife. She has accepted with joy. I welcome all Ashbury to our wedding in May. Her name is Kharyis, and she is now a MacMorna forever. Share our joy.

BIG GYPSY PARTY at the Dragon's Flagon on December 19th! All are invited!

BARON THOMAS GREY: Sir Kelial has your magic item that was left with me by Ivan Drake. - Daphne Green

TO THE DEAR FRIEND who sent me the beautiful and useful gift on the evening of 11/4/95: Thank you very much. Nothing can ever erase what we have been through together. If you wish to contact me again, you know where I can be found.

UNROK: Leaving my sister was a wise decision, you and your first born will live to see the next year. - I

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK all who participated in helping me get the Gift of Life ritual cast, especially Baron Thomas. This man helped me in my plight to become "living." Thanks also to Sir Keliel, Sir Konrad, Lord Hanson, and Galoran. There were of course others, but these gentlemen did the most for me. While these gifts were well appreciated, the gift from Lord Hanson was by far the most important in my eyes. He offered me the only primary component in town for the Gift of Life ritual, and asked for nothing in return. I must say that his unselfish act was greatly appreciated, and will never be forgotten. If you ever need me Lord Hanson, I will be there. On a slightly different note, my quest to win my love, Jhenna, is coming along. She now no longer fears me and our conversations have grown. I feel it is only a matter of time before we are wed. I must say if not for the help of Baron Thomas, my love would still be running from me. I hope my gift of the duplicate ward keys was helpful to the town in over throwing the evil Accolon. Evil such as his should be abolished! Well, I just wanted to say thank you. Not only for giving my life back, but for allowing me the pleasure of seeing the sun rise every morning, and the hope to regard it from the arms of my love. Till we meet again, I am thankfully yours. - Kelar

MY CONDOLENCES to the family and friends of Mortimer. In the short time I knew him I could say he was a friend. His name will be remembered. - Ian McEwan

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new Apprentice: Killian Drake, Barony of Blythedale