After learning that a mysterious stone structure had suddenly appeared in Conner, Dockside, and Oldtown, opened its doors, and spewed forth massive amounts of undead, Lord Chancellor Faustus and Sir Konrad knew they had to act fast. They discovered that the building had appeared, done its damage and disappeared, and the two nobles knew that it was only a matter of time before the structure would appear in Ashbury proper.
With information provided by Sir Algar and some of the local Kiergani, it was determined that the crypt belonged to a powerful undead earth Archwizard named Korred. Korred, whose legacy goes back thousands of years, was trapped in a Crypt which appears every twenty years or so in various places within the Ash Forest. This appearance outside of the forest was certainly cause for concern. On Friday night, November 1st, they began making quick preparations.
Meanwhile, a crazed Kiergani elf arrived in town with a bottle of ashes. The obviously insane elf began sprinkling the ashes all around Gwendolyn's Field and all throughout the central city while muttering incoherently to himself. When questioned by Derek Dreamweaver, Drakonis Darktalon, and other local Kiergani, the crazed elf began throwing the ashes at them and announced that his master would arrive soon and that Ashbury city would fall to his might. Seeing the elf as a threat, Derek and his team subdued him, but not before he dumped the remaining ashes on the ground.
A few moments later, a huge stone crypt with massive iron doors etched with glowing white snakes rifted in on the edge of Gwendolyn's Field. Already mustered and ready to fight the impending threat, nobles and commoners alike rushed up to the crypt, ready to defend the city. However, when they approached the crypt, they found that some force was preventing them from reaching the doors. Sir Algar announced that when he had fought Korred 50 years ago in Aldin Mirk that the same thing occurred and that it was a Proscribe Living ritual that was blocking everyone from the doors.
The town waited anxiously and nervously for the predicted fight, but that did not happen. Many of the adventurers gave up and left the area, although some stayed to watch warily. After about a half an hour, the doors to the crypt flung open and a ghostly image of a Kiergani Elf appeared at the doors. Unheard of amounts of zombies poured through the doors and out onto the field, where a somewhat disorganized town rushed to meet them.
Many zombies were dispatched easily, but Korred had more undead waiting. After his zombies were expended, he sent waves of greater and greater undead. This continuous onslaught battered the citizens mercilessly, and many of Ashbury's finest adventurers were turned into zombies. In his last assault of the night, Korred came out of his crypt personally with a horde of noncorporeal undead. Emerging at his side was an Order Elemental, who followed Korred's commands.
Korred remained near his crypt and as the adventurers approached, he unleashed but a portion of his magical prowess. He was able to wither many people's limbs, threw over ten Death spells and enough chaos to make a Chaos Elemental proud. He then gathered some of his greater undead and strode around Gwendolyn's Field.
He walked around unchallenged until he was confronted by a local elf named Randiron. What Randiron was thinking will never be known but Korred gave him an option to either join him and his minions or have a three second head start to run before he sent one of his minions to cut him down. Randiron nobly declined Korred's offer and chose to run. Being true to his evil ways and ignoring his promise of a head start, Korred immediately sent his undead zombie lord to cut down Randiron right away, who died his final death. Satisfied with the destruction he had caused, Korred retired to his Crypt and for the remainder of the evening Ashbury City became relatively peaceful once again.
The following morning saw a number of unusual visitors, among them an Kiergani named Granor Thornbrush. Granor arrived and immediately sought out all the local Kiergani elves calling them "his children." He met with Lord Zachary Blane, Brighthawk, Derek, and Drakonis among others. Granor shared his knowledge of Korred with his "children," explaining that he was friends with Korred when he was alive and that Korred was gifted with the ability of Foresight. Granor also explained that Korred's Last Vision drove him so insane that he would follow it at any cost. The Kiergani realized that this could be used against Korred if they told him they believed in his preachings and would follow his example.
With this in mind, the meeting broke and every elf present began spreading the information they obtained.
Early that evening, the doors of Korred's Crypt once again opened and hundreds more undead poured out. This battle proved almost more than the town could handle as many citizens and adventurers were taken down by the undead force. Later that evening proved just as dangerous as Korred, feeling quite bold, left his crypt and took a tour of the city along with some of his minions, including the Order Elemental that had introduced himself to many adventurers as "Artera."
The Kiergani took this opportunity to meet with Korred and discuss his Vision with him. Intrigued, Korred allowed them an audience and spoke with them at length. What exactly was said is not known, but it appeared that Korred believed them because he told them that if they wore his war paint colors that they would be unharmed by any undead under his control.
Near midnight, two mysterious figures arrived and spoke to Lord Chancellor Faustus, who, in the absence of Duke Bryan, was in charge. The two said their adventuring group, The Ebony Blade, had fought Korred on one of his visits to the Ash Forest. Korred had killed them and when they awoke, discovered they were some sort of strange cursed undead-like beings. They pledged their help in fighting Korred and told Faustus that they knew the inside of the Crypt intimately. Sir Faustus thanked them and agreed to let them help.
The next morning, things appeared quiet in Ashbury City. Granor arrived early in the morning and met with Baron Tristan and the court of Blythedale to discuss upcoming tactics on the fight against Korred. When it was discovered that the Proscribe Living ritual was no longer active, adventurers made ready. The Ebony Blade explained that the only way to send Korred away was to attack his source of power using the magical Dire Bow (See accompanying article). The source of power they was a ghostly book that resided in a phantomlike Library. Led by Granor and the two remaining members of the Ebony Blade, the town courageously entered the Crypt, and found themselves in an elven village.
The village contained noncorporeal buildings and was populated by undead of all types. The town fought savagely against the horde of undead and Chaos elementals. The town stood their ground against unsurpassable odds and fought their way to the library deeper in the village. While Sir Konrad and many members of the Ash Forest stayed behind to protect Ashbury city from the onslaught, other adventurers fought closer and closer to the library. There they found the ghostly book sitting on a ghostly pedestal, but it was behind a Circle of Power and none could reach it.
The battle raged on, and a devastating blow was struck against the town when the Dire Bow was taken from Drakonis by undead and brought to Korred who tried using a Destroy Magic on it. Luckily, being an artifact, it was not destroyed. More adventurers and citizens were arriving at the library bearing news that things were going badly back in Ashbury and that something needed to be done fast. Surprisingly, Artera, who it had been discovered was actually a Chaos Elemental, proposed a trade. He wished Sir Agnar give himself to Artera to be experimented on, and in exchange he would give back the Dire Bow. Sir Agnar accepted and was taken by Artera who then gave Drakonis the Dire Bow back.
Granor meanwhile approached the entrance to the library and tried in vain to talk to his one time friend and persuade him to leave this plane. Artera let Granor into the Circle and allowed him to speak with Korred personally. Scoffing, Korred announced he wouldn't stop until he leveled Ashbury to end all oppression of the Kiergani. Artera then recognized Jonah in the circle, who stood by his Grandfather Granor without fear.
Artera, acting chaotically, then suddenly destroyed the Earth Circle and allowed the force of citizens to enter the library. The battle was fierce and the tide turned when Sir Algar arrived to help with a few members of the Court of the Ash Forest. Hearing the grave news that Baron Konrad had died permanently, the town rallied and fought with renewed vigor.
Drakonis, using the Dire Bow, shot multiple arrows into the book, which finally disrupted Korred's power source. The crypt began to rift away as Ashbury's citizens ran to free themselves from its trap.
Will the crypt reappear in another 20 years?
During the battle against Korred's forces, Baron Konrad and his court and a handful of defenders held the field to protect the weaker members of the town's populace from anihilation. Though the battle against Korred was ultimately won, there was a huge cost. Many brave heroes from the Court of the Ash Forest died, including Sir Algar, Squire Tavernier, Roland and Thorn -- and Baron Konrad, who suffered his final death. No one was more surprised than Sir Algar when Baron Konrad's hammer spirit-linked to him as he was carrying the body for a Life spell.
His family, including his mother Lady Ariana Valinor, his wife Dame Kittery, and his Brother-in-law Yngvar, was mourning over him in the Healers' Guild, when suddenly a dark figure spirit walked into the Guild and faced the Baron's dead form. Many hurled themselves at the being who identified himself as "Father Defile," but none seemed able to harm him. Lady Ariana herself threw many Cure Mortal Wounds spells at it, only to find them Baned back at her.
"Father Defile" threw the defenders away from the body with his great strength and captured Baron Konrad's spirit. He was heard to remark that this was the fate of Defenders of Tyrra, prompting questions as to whether other member of that group need worry.
He then left. However, one note of hope stood out in all of this: Sir Konrad's hammer, which was spirit-linked to Sir Algar, disappeared soon after Defile came and took Konrad's spirit. Some think that this is an indication that Baron Konrad is not truly dead.
Sir Algar Winterwind accepted the title of Baron of the Ash Forest, although it is obvious to all Court onlookers that he does not wish the title. He will probably be sworn in at the Duke's Winter Festival.
Without any notification, almost all the chieftains of the major Kiergani tribes arrived in Ashbury City at the time of the arrival of Korred's Crypt.
The chieftains gathered the local Kiergani and told them their local tales of Korred. They stated that before Korred appeared in Ashbury City, he had always appeared in the Ash Forest and deposited undead that almost wiped out many of the tribes. They also said that now more than ever they needed to move deeper into the Forest and that they needed to speak with Baron Konrad about this.
When asked, Baron Konrad was more than willing to discuss these political topics with them. Baron Tristan, Sir Algar, and many of the local Kiergani sat on Gwendolyn's Field for the discussion.
The representing chieftains were Lavitoir Hessil of the wolf tribe, Ferrin Assiant of the Snake Tribe, Kalton Ulath of the Bear Tribe, Cerronus Starlis of the Hawk tribe, Arin Cation of the Puma Tribe, and Hunnel Ashwood of the Eagle tribe.
The talks went well at first. Baron Konrad told the assembled factions that he would provide food and other resources to the Kiergani for the upcoming winter, and would also establish trading posts for the Kiergani to get other wares. This went well but the Kiergani told Baron Konrad that they wanted a seat on the Amani Council so they could have a say in Ash Forest decisions. Baron Konrad told them he could not make any promises but would try his hardest to get them one.
At this point in the conversation, the Chaos Elemental Artera rifted into the area, walked over to Ferrin, the chieftain of the Snake Tribe, and said "The true master of the Snake Tribe sends his greetings." He then Obliterated Ferrin as the other shocked elves looked on. A few chieftains tried to attack Artera but it was to no avail.
The Summit hit a bit of a snag at this point. Some of the chieftains, furious that Baron Konrad and Sir Algar did nothing to prevent the obliteration or help to attack Artera began a heated argument with the Baron and his knight. Thanks to the extraordinary diplomacy skills of Brighthawk, everyone eventually calmed down and the summit continued.
Baron Konrad ask the Kiergani what he could do for them in the short term. Granor spoke and told them that he could arrange a meeting with the Forest Lord, and asked Baron Konrad if he would speak on behalf of the Kiergani so that the Kiergani may share in the Forest's Secrets as the Amani have been able to. Baron Konrad agreed.
Before leaving, the chieftains, impressed with Brighthawk's political skills, appointed her as their representative in Ashbury City. She has her work cut out for her, for tensions have risen in the Ash Forest since Korred's Crypt appeared in the city. Many Amani and humans who live ine the Forest have been heard to complain about the relationship with Korred and the Kiergani, and have implied that the wild elves have been secretly working with Korred to reestablish their claim to the Forest. A few small demonstrations have yet to produce violence, but one Amani leader, a merchant named Teril Belayson, has been setting up Amani meetings which have seen an increase in attendance recently.
After being lost for nearly 2000 years, the Kiergani artifact known as The Dire Bow was recovered on November 2, 596.
The Bow was discovered after a Kiergani woman named Elquios Ilumanati told the local wild elves that she had a special tie with the Dire Bow and was not able to die until the Bow was recovered from her necromancer father Invidus, who had slain her and taken the Bow for himself. She said that she had been tracking the Bow since it was taken from her and that she found her father with it Ashbury City the day before.
Unfortunately, she was captured by some of Invidus's minions and was beaten and held captive. Her father told her he also had a link to the Bow that if it left his possession he would die. He further explained that he was going to give the weapon to Korred in exchange for Korred's promise to make him into an undead, and that Elquios would be a gift for Korred as well. Fortunately, she was able to make her escape.
She told the local Kiergani to hurry because Invidus planned on making the trade soon. With Baron Tristen's help, she gathered the Local Kiergani.
The group found Invidus with a large group of elves and undead. A battle ensued and the adventurers finally defeated Invidus. The Bow was taken from the dead necromancer and given to Elquios who held the Bow lovingly for a few minutes then called all the Kiergani over to her side. She told them that it was her time to leave this life and that she was going to leave the Bow in the care of all the local Kiergani to be shared and used only by them. With her final words she handed the Bow over to them and fell lifeless.
The Drake known to many as Ganderfax returned to Ashbury recently yet his appearance had changed radically since his previous visit. The Drake was completely pitch from head to toe, which is undoubtedly a side affect of Ganderfax's new residence on the World of Shadows. Ganderfax arrived to warn the citizens of Oradell's plans for another Elemental War which the Nightmare Elemental refers to as the "Elemental Discord."
The Drake spoke with several of his champions, including Lord Aloryn and Baron Konrad, about three powerful elementals which are being freed from their enchanted prisons by willing children of Tyrra at the direction of Oradell. Ganderfax also spoke of three elementals which would aid the citizens of Ashbury stifle the Elemental Discord.
Oradell's minions were also at work that night as the Nightmare Elemental's plans for vengeance reached fruition. Regent Deven and former Iron Wizard Hendrick staked the city streets while the Drake was warning his champions. The two were confronted by several people who acted strangely, but all usual methods of detecting control (Awaken spell, Enslavement Antidote, etc.) proved nothing ill. Unfortunately, their true nature would not be discovered until it was to late.
Meanwhile, Jonah searched for the Drake to deliver an amulet. He found Ganderfax in front of the Mages' Guild and the two spoke at some length about the gift, which was apparently from Oradell, while the Drake eyed Jonah suspiciously. The bewitched amulet exploded in a brilliant flash of light when Jonah finally touched it to the Drake's cloak. The cursed artifact trapped Ganderfax in an enchanted indestructible crystal prison. Jonah ran off when the deed was done and disappeared into the trees.
Ganderfax was carried into the Mages' Guild where a short debate as to what should be done with the Drake started. Deven and Hendrick walked up only moments later and said they would bring Ganderfax to safety. Magic blows and Dispel Magic failed to release him from the prison, so Deven and Hendrick covered the Drake with a cloak and quickly carried Ganderfax off into the woods. The two returned almost an hour later and found Sorceress Shalizar in the Mages' Guild alone.
Oradell himself arrived on the scene to gloat over his success. The Dragon Mage used a Spirit Walk ritual to enter the Guild circle where he began his taunting. Deven and Hendrick revealed themselves as Lesser Nightmare Elemental Imps and hurled insults at the crowd outside the Mages' Guild. The two Imps finally leaped out of the Guild and assaulted Lord Aloryn in an attempt to bring him inside the Guild's Ward. Dispel Magic spells were employed to disenchant the guises of the Imps and they were then easily dispatched. Oradell finally rifted away and the beleaguered Mages' Guild reopened.
The Ashbury Times has uncovered a letter that illuminates recent activities in the city. We print it here in its entirety as a public service:
To Ambathwar Strata,
I have not recovered the recipe yet for the hordlings, and I am desperate to prevent this from being fulfilled by my enemies.
The most nefarious news I have heard this century is the survival of the Tengu -- an accidental experiment which created a half-ogre offshoot which appears to exhibit similar traits to a vampire. I need to watch even the Nobligars as they are not so intelligent as to make mistakes during the birthings at the Pools. I have discovered the beings that tampered with my Pools and I will be granting them both a swift death if I ever catch them. As one of them is a Quentari Elf, I should have plenty of time to mete out appropriate punishment.
I have Contacted several times and have located the lairs the Tengu have been using but so far when I come upon them they are nearly always abandoned. I have obliterated three successfully so far, one permanently. I may have to call in one of my brethren to aid in stomping them out, but the cost will be high. No Ambathwar, I will not indebt myself to you any further -- I owe you far too many favors as it is.
It is clear that the Tengu are responsible for the stealing of my notes, I will be sure to place them in a much more fortified location from now on.
As for my recent nasty experiences in Ashbury, I was forced to interact with several differing types of the so called "civilized" races. The whole city stank of chaos, probably due to their failure to destroy the undead spiders a month earlier. I could also sense the powerful presence omitted by the tomb of Korred the wild elven necromancer. It is difficult to ignore such things and not immediately deal with them, but my devotion is only to Tyrra itself -- not to any one race or civilization.
It is civilization that breeds such evil. Even the basic lives of the Kiergani elves lead to a corruption. All races save my own have a taste for evil, a thirst that can only be feed by the spreading disease that is chaos. I was surprised to view several members of the Defenders of Tyrra within the chaos soaked capital, not one of which seemed to take this latest chaos threat seriously. For as long as I can remember the capital as been a veritable focus for such things. Perhaps the place is cursed. Better to burn it down and let nature reclaim it.
One calling himself Konrad claimed to a Defender and actually touched me. Only the symbol of Mother saved him -- of course, showing my temper in front of Elenee would not be wise. Elenee, the personification of the beauty that is nature, remarkably enjoyed the cosmopolitan experience of sojourning in the city.
In the city I experienced and discovered many of the individuals that were responsible for slaughtering my control groups. They killed the children and females with reckless abandon, but at least they did not kill Obnis my Nobilgar helper. He would have been difficult to replace despite his forgetfulness.
The Modi and Fey Cursed Radric will bear some watching_they will be taught a harsh lesson should they play in my back yard again. They walked through my animals with little difficulty. Perhaps I will have to brew up some new prototypes. Unfortunately while I wish to thin the herds of the destructive races I do not wish to extinguish them.
I know you feel the breeding program is a waste, but your experiments with diseases will recklessly destroy the races if you are not careful. Strata, you are nearly as bad as a Satyr sometimes. Remember the mistake you made 100 years back? Nearly destroyed the entire tribe. No, I will not let you forget that my friend, you must remain more careful.
In any case, I found a reasonable amount of Half Ogres within the demeans of Ashbury, and several had clearly been warned of my arrival. The vile Tengu are cropping up every where. One day soon I am going to have some foolish Civilizer take a whack at me because they move before they think.
In any case, I acquired the services of Grindash, Hundach, and Mar to aid me in plucking a particularly bad sign for the Ashbury environment. Ivian is apparently on the move again within Avalon, and he must have interred (I refuse to call what he does planting) a Dead Man's Oak outside of the capital. I assume he did this to take advantage of the chaos taint near the capital.
I arrived with the Half Ogres in tow along with some other Minimals such as a gypsy named Findrago. The fighting was fierce and clearly the tree had already consumed several passerby with its fey-like charming ability. Apparently the creature by observation charms its victims, lures them closer with a droning sound not unlike words, quickly devours them and regurgitates them in the form of lesser undead. The Jade Skeletons and Cacklers were clear signs of Ivian's handiwork.
Eventually the creature exhausted itself of its magical abilities but had successfully animated many of the adventurers brought along -- which I regrettably had to Life at Elenee's insistence. Only the strong should survive.
I rewarded my Half-Ogres and their companions (Elenee's suggestion about rewarding people seems to be more effective than yelling and threatening, I will admit) and strangely enough, they rewarded Elenee with tokens of their affections. I father their entire local stock and they give her the gifts. I will never understand them.
I will write you again soon, my friend.
Myranius Fruth
Angelica celebrated Halloween by returning to Ashbury. She came to discuss the current state of affairs with the local gypsies. She apparently considers herself to be winning the fight against the gypsies within the "rules" she must follow.
She showed the gypsies her newest minion Petra, formerly of Forestwatch, who died permanently the month before at the hands of the Harvest Moon. Petra had been one of the leaders of the fight against Angelica and when her spirit was released from her body Angelica decided to capture it and make her part of the "lost clan."
Sir Agnar was greeted as a friend and was treated with respect due to his part in the killing of Angelica's enemy Strykna. Sir Agnar did not look pleased with his new "friends."
When the minions gathered again they realized that the town had taken back the magical Web stick which Angelica in her twisted humor had allowed Petra to carry since it had been taken from her originally. When they realized that the town had taken it back they gave them ten seconds in which to return it or they would attack. The town did not comply, and with a warning to Sir Agnar to stay out of the way, they attacked mercilessly. Many of the defenders, most notably those from Blythedale, fell before Angelica's minions, with Alderbaron and Squire Tirilorn dying in the onslaught. Finally Zachary came forth with the stick which was taken and given back to Petra.
During this time, one of her minions took the time to introduce himself. He had previously only been seen as a black-skinned creature with horns but now he appeared human. He introduced himself as Aravir and claimed to have been the creator of the Doom spell, a spell which was the celestial equivalent of Death prior to the great celestial change. He tried to meet with Shalizar to discuss the finer points of spell creation but could not find the sorceress.
Perhaps the most frightening part of the entire episode was when Korred walked into the tavern with his elemental and he and Angelica made a pact together -- the Wild Elves would be left to Korred and Angelica would keep the Gypsies. Any other race who got in their way was fair game for either side. Throughout the rest of the night, Wild Elves escaped death because of this new pact as Angelica's minions left them alone.
Again the town tried to claim Petra, this time trapping her within the Healers' Circle. Angelica told those within that they would kill everyone in the tavern if they did not turn her over, and the Guild eventually let Petra go.
Angelica and her minions decided that the town had been too rude and they leveled the tavern to teach them a lesson. Most within was slaughtered, but were left bleeding for the townsfolk to save if they could. Angelica then gathered her forces and left Ashbury again. The gypsies have claimed to have come out of this encounter with new information and a stronger determination to stop Angelica.
For many months now the spirits of Fae Lords have been possessing the bodies of several townsfolk, most notably Squire Florin, Jonah, and Gazrith. Recently the Fae Prince Kelthain was overheard discussing the coming climax to the fae and the drawing of the Starsword with Jonah and Radric, who holds the Fae Blade of the Brownies.
On the first of the month, Radric and those individuals possessed of a spirit were gathered up and taken by Prince Kelthain to the Standing Stones in Entholm where Oberon's Starsword was impaled into the earth. Kelthain walked into town with Gazrith, or "Duke Balor" as he was calling himself, under his protection. This protection did not mean much to the townsfolk and Gazrith was attacked and killed by Jonah, his head nearly cut from his body. Kelthain saved him by grabbing his dead form and rifting away with him. Baron Konrad attempted to stop the rift but ended up being taken along with him to Tir-Nan-Og.
Kelthain apparently offered to send him back to Tyrra for a favor but Baron Konrad refused and was sent out into the wilds of the Foirmoiran Mountains, where he died. When Kelthain returned to collect Jonah and Radric, this time alone, many townsfolk offered their favors for Konrad's rescue. Naansa and Modi each gave a favor to Kelthain who returned to his realm and brought back Konrad's dead body to be Lifed. When Konrad was returned to life by Squire Caleb, he offered to take the favors instead of Modi and Naansa, advising them to never deal with the Fae. Kelthain then left through a gate, taking Jonah and Radric with him.
When they emerged from the gate they stood within the famous circle in the Standing Stones which then dropped and caused all non-fae within the area of Entholm to flee as if a giant Proscribe had gone up. Within the circle stood Radric, Gazrith, Jonah, Petal, Arawyn, and the drae who held the other half of the spirit of Balor. At the very center was another circle of power within which Kelthain stood pacing around a suit of plate mail, holding a dull iron two handed sword point first into the earth.
Here Arawyn spoke, asking all to cease their hostilities until informed decisions could be made. He welcomed all to the final battle where the heir to the throne of Tyrra would be chosen. He told them that he would support any who claimed the throne if they agreed with his ideas of how to run things, but any who chose to oppose his will would have to fight him. He also told them that they could decide among them by combat who would have the right to draw the sword and that they should talk to each other and deal together.
After this, each of the participants spoke to one another, making deals and plotting against one another, each hoping to be the one to draw the Starsword. They agreed that whoever claimed the heads of the others would Life those who fell so as not to waste the mortal shells they were trapped in. Then they faced off against each other as Arawyn declared the combat begun.
It appeared that the two Balors had decided to face off against Jonah and Radric, but the treachery of the Kinslaying was reenacted as Gazrith was cut down from behind by the other Balor's Death spell and then beheaded by him. Jonah and Radric worked together to quickly take down the other Balor. When he too was decapitated Radric Lifed each of the drae. Gazrith was completely disoriented and to both of their surprise, they found themselves pushed out of the circle.
At this point, with only one in possession of a Fae spirit still standing, the inner circle dropped, exposing the Starsword and armor for the first time to the hands of mortals. Radric and Jonah faced each other and Radric, not knowing how the Fae spirit of Angus MacOg within Jonah would react, chose to Imprison Jonah. Radric then tried to convince Arawyn that the gates to Tir-Nan-Og should not change, that the balance between Seelie and Unseelie was important, but he would not listen.
Radric did not want to have to draw the Starsword, but when Jonah was freed by a Dispel Magic spell from the former Balor, Radric chose to draw the sword and don the armor. He was transformed by these items of arcane power and much of the power of Oberon flowed through his body.
Arawyn stepped forward and told Radric for the last time that should he choose to oppose him, he would slay him. Radric said that he would maintain the balance and handed the Fae blade to Kelthain who took temporary possession of it for the heir.
Arawyn and Radric faced off. The battle was fierce, Radric depending on the powers of the armor as well as his own abilities and magic items. Defense was nearly impossible as the two fighters fought one of the most crucial battles ever.
In the end, it was Arawyn who fell, though Radric was nearly at his end as well. Kelthain stepped forward and asked Radric for his ruling on the gates and Radric replied that they should remain as they were, that the balance would stand. He then asked Radric as to whether he would keep his throne and Radric stepped down, saying that such power was not for him to hold. He then stepped to the center of the Standing Stones and thrust the Starsword back into the ground where Oberon had originally placed it.
Kelthain then chose to reward the brave heroes, and called from within his gate a genie to grant Radric and Jonah wishes. Radric and Jonah returned to Ashbury taking the dazed Gazrith along with them.
The proscribe from the Standing Stones ceased and all seems to be as it was.
"Wandering spirits are at their most potent form during the cold, autumnal nights when the month of October ends and the month of November begins. Sometimes the dead may even commune with the living from beyond the Graveyards themselves during the transition of these two months." - From the grimoires of Guildmaster Father Ansalla Durenn of the Ashbury Healer's Guild, 552 - 554 ER.
At midnight on November 2nd, in a shadowy corner of the Dragon's Flagon, several townspeople with the aid of spiritualist Madame Charisma Marina Pelegrosa Hannibal Malreaver delved into the world of haunts and spirits.
Madame Charisma, gifted with the arts of communicating with the dead, held a seance for those who wished to pay a small fee to speak with relatives and friends passed on to their final deaths.
Among those who attended the seance were Baron Tristan, Guildmistress Natasha, and Kylara Neumacht. Findrago had been anxiously looking forward to meeting Madam Charisma since reading her postings around town as she was from his clan. His hopes for romance seemed dashed when the elderly gypsy arrived at the tavern.
Madam Charisma began the seance after pulling out from her bag of arcana many objects which encouraged the spirits to speak with the living. Although it was very apparent that this woman was by no means a fraud (people around her felt an icy chill and objects slid across the seance table when she sat down), the seance viewers wanted a sample of her abilities before calling forth specific spirits.
The spiritualist began by channeling a wandering spirit to the table which immediately became belligerent towards those participating in her seance circle. The spirit, and others that followed, communicated by knocking on the table -- once to answer yes and twice to answer no.
The spirit seemed particularly angry at Baron Tristan but knew him as his former name of Thomas. The medium learned that the spirit was female when it was alive, and the spirit finally revealed itself when a floating candle spelled out the name "Mourna" with dripping wax. Everyone at the table gasped at the revelation and the spirit blew away like the wind, departing in four directions.
With much more care to channel a familiar spirit, Kylara asked to speak with Benedict McBain, a leopard sarr with whom she had an affair some time ago. Madam Charisma channeled the spirit or what she hoped would be the correct spirit (there is always the chance in contacting spirits that a deceitful one will answer the medium's call instead of the true spirit). Kylara asked many questions to find out the whereabouts of a lost child they had together, but the spirit seemed to answer questions about things that happened before his death and so was unaware of the child's location.
Baron Tristan then asked to speak with his old friend Mortimer Fallon. Mortimer's family had been employed by the Baron's family for generations, and Baron Tristan was aware that Mortimer -- who had died almost exactly one year earlier -- was not at rest.
After Madam Charisma channeled the spirit, the circle asked the spirit many questions to find out how to put it at rest, as many have seen Mortimer's spirit wander the land in search of his lost dead wife.
The spirit reiterated to the seance viewers that his wife was not in any of the Graveyards even though she had permanently died. The spirit believed she was undead. The seance viewers tried to discover how to find her. This agitated the spirit and it rose from the table in its full non-corporeal form. Madam Charisma was weakened by this full summoning and aged a couple of years in front of the spirit and her viewers.
Baron Tristan became very emotional seeing his dead friend at such unrest. He repeated his questions about where to find his undead wife. The spirit could not speak, but Mortimer could mouth words.
A fairly large crowd of taverngoers had now gathered around the table to witness the spirit of Mortimer. Many of them attempted to help get the spirit act out where he believed his wife was. Mortimer was able to convey this to the onlookers but none would reveal what he "said."
After a silent moment with Baron Tristan, the spirit faded away. Madam Charisma, too exhausted to perform any more channeling, left soon after.
Last month when fey Prince Kelthain rescued townsfolk at the behest of the Duke, the Duke promised him two favors. Kelthain decided that it would be in his best interest to auction one of the favors off to the highest bidder.
He returned to Ashbury on the night of November 2nd to announce his intention to do so. He informed the populace that he was looking for ritual components and magical items as gold was meaningless to him. Many considered bidding to help the Duke but in the end few actually bid.
Some interesting people came to the Dragon's Flagon to bid on the favor. Among the bidders were Firron the Satyr Prince and Ansta SlurÆ from the Way Station. Firron apparently annoyed some of the taverngoers for when Kelthain arrived Zatarina insisted that he could not hold the auction unless Firron left. Kelthain argued that he was not responsible for Firron's actions and finally Zatarina agreed to allow the auction to continue.
The townsfolk and guests were anxious to begin but Kelthain asked them to wait as he knew the Satyr Lord Shaedum was interested in bidding and had not yet arrived. This angered Firron who is known to be on the outs with his former minion.
Kelthain was preparing to start when suddenly he was attacked from behind by Naansa and when he had put him down by Baron Tristan. Naansa was healed and the two of them continued to fight Kelthain who, looking much worse for the battle, decided to flee and rift back to his home plane. He was nearly stopped by Alexandria who assassinated him but made the mistake of using a silver weapon against one of the Ffolke.
Minutes later Kelthain strode back into town accompanied by the missing Shaedum and many other fae. He strode to the tavern and called out for Tristan. When he saw him his anger was fierce and he laid two curses upon him. The first he said was the curse of the bonding which would cause Tristan to die if ever Kelthain was killed. The second was the curse of cowardice which stopped the elven Baron from being able to resist fear. After that, and with his defenders around him, he began the auction. The auction however was constantly interrupted by Firron attempting to kill Shaedum. Kelthain had his minions put a stop to it and the auction proceeded.
The highest bid from the people of Ashbury was a Dodge twice ever item from Lord Aloryn. The Satyrs bid troops -- satyrs from Firron and nymphs from Shaedum. Shaedum even offered to create a custom disease for Kelthain, but the Prince was uninterested. After the attack Kelthain wanted items of arcane power all the more to protect him from "crazed mortals." In the end, Ansta SlureÆ won the auction by bidding a permanent magic item that would cast Life and Cloak Death and Bane Death once each per day.
After the auction, Kelthain went to the Chancellor to press charges against Naansa for the attack upon his person. Faustus informed him that he was not protected by the laws of Ashbury since he was not a citizen.
Kelthain then chose to claim the favor Faustus owed him and demanded to be made a citizen. Faustus agreed and paid back the favor owed but then told Kelthain that since he wasn't a citizen of the Duchy when the attacks occurred, he still could not press charges against Naansa.
He then charged citizen Kelthain of maintaining curses against other citizens and demanded their removal. Kelthain responded by saying that he was maintaining no curses and that any curses he had put upon the people of Ashbury were before he was a citizen so no charges could be brought against him. He did agree to remove the curse of cowardice from Tristan in what he called "the interest of good citizenship." He refused to remove the curse of the bonding, saying that it did not harm anyone so long as he stayed alive.
No one yet knows what Ansta will ask for her favor, though those who have dealt with her before have some good guesses.
Sir Faustus recently led a group of adventurers to try and track down the Archwizard Mordechi who stands with the dread menace Pansolore as an enemy of Ashbury. Sir Faustus attempted to track Mordechi to his Circle of Power on his farm.
Since the Duke and a large part of the Ducal Household were traveling away from the city at the time, Sir Faustus recruited many whom they had not worked with before. Along with Sir Faustus went Ian McEwen and Squire Jonathan of the Ducal Household; Lord Zachary, Olin, Natasha, and Mason of Forestwatch; Marr and Handarkk the half-ogres; and Daniel Star from Blythedale.
Unfortunately the group met and were defeated by one of Pansolore's patrols on the outskirts of the area in which Mordechi made his home.
Following Pansolore's "mercy" for "his citizens," the group was allowed to live but many magic items were taken, including Olin's staff and Marr's mace.
The group woke in separate parts of the woods, all except Mason and Daniel Star who had fled after the rest of the group had fallen. The group continued on to the town and asked questions of the populace, but having been stripped of their possessions were in no condition to continue to track down Mordechi and face him in his lair.
Upon sampling a local merchant's fudge cakes, our beloved Duke Bryan Nordenn announced that he wishes to host a Winter Faire for all fudge cake vendors and anyone else who has something tasty to sell. He has invited all Ashbury citizens to join him in filling their stomachs on the fine food and drink from all corners of the Duchy.
"With all the recent conflicts our people have been called on to settle and a harsh winter starting to set in, it is time we all joined together to celebrate our victories and revel in our happier memories" said the Duke, brushing a crumb from the corner of his mouth. Event coordinators immediately began preparing for what is expected to be a festive and joyous occasion.
The celebration shall be centered in the large back room of the Dragon's Flagon and will take place over the weekend of December 7th.
Ashbury City: Local adventurers shut down a massive alchemical operation being illegally run by the Fist. Laboratories uncovered in Oldtown, College, Diron, and Fenmarch were manufacturing a "smart poison" called "Scourge," which caused those exposed to slowly transform into a mindless creature that locals have dubbed "Scourge Monsters." It is assumed that the Fist were attempting to engage in a new form of criminal activity with Scourge, but it has been noted by more than one expert that this is a radical departure from their normal methods.
College: Two small farms in this area were discovered to be slaver's strongholds, but when a group of adventurers tempted to stop the trade, they were either captured or killed. Among those who died were Findrago, Kelea, and Strom. Among those captured were Dreath, Kaylin, Florin the biata, and Robert Oakwood.
Dwarvenholm: Numerous merchant attacks in the area of this mostly underground city has local residents confused and worried. The bandits have been attacking merchant caravans and have been searching through them for something, but have apparently not found what they were looking for. So far, none of the merchants have been killed.
Goldstone: The annual Goldstone Run, the most popular horse race in the Duchy, was won this year by Mara's Mare in a pot that paid two to one. As usual, this fine horse is owned by the Stormholm family.
Nyneve: Undead spilling over from Bartleby have caused problems in this small farming community.
River's Edge: This small community in Blythedale has been hit with some raids recently, as Sessuar invaders attempt to overtake Rotaria. The raids have been mostly for foodstuffs and supplies and there have been few casualties, but tensions are strained.
By Lord Chancellor Faustus von Neumacht
This month we celebrate a great victory over Ashbury's latest bane, Korred. But we also mourn the loss of a great leader of our fair Duchy -- Baron Konrad Valinor. Ashbans will remember that when we entered Korred's Mausoleum, the undead assaulted us from all sides. Yet we had been forewarned not to tarry and fight his limitless minions, but to advance to his library, the seat of Korred's power.
When I sounded the call to advance to his lair, Baron Konrad, in true chivalric form, was the last to retreat. From what I am told, when he saw bodies left behind on the field, he charged back into the fray. Nearly his entire court perished in the valiant rear-guard action. He did not resurrect.
Alas, tragedy also struck when I dispatched Jonathan Dragonhart to travel back to summon the Baron. Jonathan encountered several survivors fleeing the field, all unable to run -- apparently drained by the undead. In true chivalric fashion, he stood alone to slow their approach while the wounded escaped. He too died for his efforts. By the time word reached us of Baron Konrad's death as we fought hand-to-hand in Korred's circle, it was too late.
Yet the action at the field brought us time -- it occupied the bulk of Korred's undead, so that when we struck at the seat of his power, we were able to overwhelm him. By the time his distracted undead minions on the field reached us, we were already in the process of destroying their master.
I also commend my fellow ducal knight Sir Agnar. So that we might gain entry into Korred's circle, he allowed himself to be tainted by Chaos, and was branded with the foul mark of that evil element. He, as I, is one who stands on the side of Order in the great war of the elements, but he made this sacrifice that we might succeed. As for Order, true to form, we again received its aid. The elemental Rigel came to Tyrra to warn us that the abomination we believed was an Order elemental was indeed a Chaos elemental in disguise, and in the end, we drove it from our plane after Korred's demise.
Finally, I commend the Governor of Trellheim, Sir Radric. I traveled with several new members of his court for some time, and have seen the changes he has wrought. As one who justly stood in judgment of former Baron Justice, I must say that chivalry is flowering in Trellheim under Sir Radric's banner. I am sure that we shall soon celebrate the return of the Military District into the fold of the Baronies.
It seems of late Ashbury has been beset by misfortune -- whether it be the senseless murders of the Harvest Moon and their lackeys, or the failure to stop the Atchar's curse. Last month we earned a dear-brought victory, paid for with the blood of our finest. Yet it was a victory nonetheless, and we Ashbans should savor it -- the dead would wish it so. We have destroyed Korred, an ancient enemy of the elven race, and an enemy of all Ashbans. As for Baron Konrad, who I was proud to call my friend, I shall honor his memory, just as I welcome his duly willed successor, Baron Algar Winterwind.
by Sue D'Onym
I say! What's all this hubbub about Silas I keep reading about in the Public Notices? It may be a really important deal but then again it may just be that those darned sarr love to send in hundreds of ads, most of which say something like "Rake: Hi there. Signed, Sadya." Someone should teach sarr how to communicate like normal people, or at least how to hire a messenger.
And what is with those barbarians and sarr? First it was Voltreg and Tarabelle, and now Ator, chieftain of the Sand Tiger Barbarian clan, has found his own cuddly sarr (Shae Laree). . . well, at least his current love has a pulse!
Bokar, Nordenn's intimidating barbarian scholar, has been dividing his time between searching out other members of his scattered White Bear clan and staying with Dame Sonya in Easton. I guess after nearly two years she finally gave up on Lord Bretton. Or is it because, when Sir Balynthalus adopts her, she will be Bretton's foster sister? I also wonder if the possibly exonerated Lord Morgan Blackbourne is going to want joint custody of their son, Caspian. Have you gotten all of this straight yet?
Lady Arianna, mother to Baron Konrad, arrived in town to let her son know she still lived. Apparently, when the town returned from the past and things had changed, one of the changes was that Konrad's mother survived. He was looking forward to getting to know her, and finding out who his father really is, but he lost his life within an hour of promising her he would not fall in battle.
Shalizar has disappeared without a trace, leaving Kittery Ann in charge of the Guild. The fact that Kittery is not be the highest ranking Senior Guildsman is causing a few grumbles in the Guildhall. Some say the Grand Sorceress is gone because she's looking for the item Ganderfax told her would help in the upcoming Elemental Wars that Oradell is starting -- but I think it's because she has finally left Unrok in Diron, taking their two sons with her to ensure he doesn't teach them to be fighters. A Dragon Mage threatening Obliterations or a jilted half orc whose children have been taken from him. . . either way I'd make myself scarce.
Speaking of the Mages' Guild, Caliandros did not endear himself to Shalizar when he talked about how much he hated orcs and wanted to kill them all. When Shalizar coldly informed him of the race of her sons, he dropped to his knees in terror, pleading "Forgive me, Sorceress!" Welcome back, Caliandros.
Squire Kit meanwhile was giving her straight opinion on ex-Baron Justice: "He's out of his mind!" Remember, you heard it here first from an expert. Kit is unfazed by the commoners who are petitioning Duke Bryan to name her the new Baroness of Trellheim! Maybe Sir Radric should ask her hand in marriage. . .
Brighthawk and Sir Pinaeus have been spotted together quite often recently, whispering supposedly gentle words to one another. Hmmm, a wild elf and a human knight. . .It makes you wonder if Brighthawk rallies for more than just Amani-Kiergani equality.
I'm almost out of space here, but before I leave, I would like to do my impersonation of the nobles of Ashbury: "Your Grace! I will do anything to protect you from harm! You shall never fear when I am here to protect you! I shall make sure that no fey will ever be able to harm you and . . .uh, what's that? They want stuff in exchange for the favor? Sorry, Bryan, you're on your own." Thank you, thank you.
Keep those cards and letters coming and remember: If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Citizens of Ashbury, I would like to apologize for the message in the Public Notices in the last edition of the Ashbury Times. I feel it important to explain myself, however.
In life, Baracus Kul was an important person among my people. Though she has not been "living" for many hundreds of years, I still feel respect for her. My respect is not for what she has done at times, but for who she is or was.
To me, the "jokes" made by Killian Drake were disrespectful. I am sure that if His Grace Duke Bryan Nordenn had become cursed to be undead, many people would be angered by jokes made about it (myself included).
Again, I am sorry for my Notice to Killian. I hope, however, that my point is taken.
Chieftain Ator of the Sand Tiger Barbarians
All of Tyrra seems a little colder today as we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, Northstar, Herald to Princess Andrea Huntington. We should not be saddened by his passing for if we are indeed judged by our friends and our deeds then he has been forever immortalized. Northstar was always putting others before himself , especially the ladies. He is, in every sense of the word, a hero. May the wind be fair and ever at your back. Fare thee well, my friend; you will be missed.
Delahr of Stormwatch
I hope this letter gets into the newspaper 'cause it's the first one I've ever written since barador Rake taught me how to write.
I like Ashbury very much. Your Duke is real nice and I like most of the nobles even the one who arrested me. He was so polite!
One of the complaints I have is that you're all too nice to the marin (kobolds)! They're dogs! Dogs, I tell you! Not tavern workers or wizard's apprentices! They're fodder!
Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest. Starlady, I hope you don't hate me more 'cause I thrashed your pet marin but that's my job. Please don't sick Mr. Modi on me.
I really like the gypsies in Ashbury. I shall miss Findrago's unsinkable spirit as well as Martin's cooking. I apologize to Martin for destroying his kitchen, and I'm sorry I was such a klutz in running into Ta'wanÆ. I hope she's all better.
Well, I must go. The hunt that is life goes on. Take care, Ashbans.
Silas Slickblade, Pantherghast of Kobolds
FAREWELL to Baron Konrad. He was a loyal person and a servant of the people. He will be sorely missed by the members of the Ash Forest.
FREE DETECT MAGICS cast at the Ashbury Mages Guild every hour on the half hour during Guild hours. (Listen for the bell.) Hours are noon-6pm and 8pm-midnight. Also: Magic items identified, Ritual Components researched, scrolls bought and sold, Rituals cast. From now until stated otherwise, Senior Guildsman Kittery Ann Holindarn will be acting as Guildmistress. Please see her for your Celestial needs.
ASHBURY REGISTRY OF TEACHERS. Referrals for a wide range of skills. Discretion assured. Teachers: get students without spending all your time recruiting. See Prof. Turlough Kuranes.
FOR THOSE OF YOU who wished to attend the Sarr Embassy seminar on the 2nd, I apologize. An emergency prevented me from doing so. I look forward to running the same seminar at the first gathering in the spring. - Gararalf Bilbiken
ANGELICA, YOU BITCH: Let her spirit go free! - Squire Jaret Delair
DS: One night was not enough, please return to me soon. My soul is cold without you. Osheh katam. - Noghre
ROBERT OAKWOOD: Is your life only worth that of a useless gem and some free food? You have two chances to make me an acceptable offer. - Arden
EX-LADY GREY: We seek to help you. Please send us any word that can help us and you. - Squire Daniel Star
AFFORDABLE PROPERTY PROTECTION is now provided by Perplexed Productions. Speak to Per-plexicaticus Asplundh.
AMBASSADOR ARAVIS SHAHRUUD: I regret that we have been unable to meet since my move to Ashbury. I am interested in offering my services and skills to the Embassy and to you. You can expect to hear from me shortly regarding this and other issues. - Arden Rac'aal
SEEKING: A Teacher of the Foreknowledge Contained Within the Stars, for a dedicated student who promises to study hard. Willing to pay a fair sum. To incur that debt with his thanks, contact The Man in Grey.
TO THE EXCITABLE OCELOT (You know who you are, Silas): It would behoove you if you were to consider before acting and not act without all the facts. Maybe you should act more like your brother Keslin, who is much more mature than you. - A Peeved Ashban
AYLEN: It is good to have you back in my life. Yours truly, Squire Daniel Star
SILAS: I was angry after you first threatened me, but you've gone too far now. You are going to find out first-hand what it is to have me as an enemy. I dare you to threaten me again. Shoma boyad zereh chok dafmeh beshe, sageh kasif. - Sadya
SKORLAR: We'd like to extend a special invitation to you, to join us as a special guest at the execution of two of your lackeys . We'd like this to be a warning to all Fist members that no operations or activists of any kind will be allowed within the boarders of Diron. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. Also feel free to bring along guest. This special event will take place December 02 at noon within the town square of Neverwinter. - Modi,Thane of Diron
SPICE: Contact me before you return to town. Your life may depend on it. - SK
SKORLAR: You picked the wrong estate for doing business. See the Diron Town Guard for your poison.
SILAS: Why do they call you slick blade? Perhaps I know.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new apprentices: Mia Hrissa and Alexander Vladimir