New Magistrate Aloryn Sends Necromancers to their Deaths

Newly appointed Magistrate Aloryn Rune-weaver wasted no time in performing his duties--within three weeks, he had sentenced over a dozen deaths upon convicted necromancers. Among those sentenced, one person, Elric Korombos, died his final death.

Aloryn was appointed Magistrate by the Paladins after the Paladins removed Lornlin Darque from the position. Lornlin, who is currently traveling outside of Ashbury, has not been formally made aware of his removal.

Although the Paladins have not publicly stated why Lornlin was removed, one unconfirmed source stated that it was merely for "incompetence." Lornlin had not actively pursued many criminals and had overlooked certain crimes in the past. Some have suggested that he took bribes, but this is also unconfirmed. Whether the Paladins have the power to replace the Magistrate is a touchy subject. The Duchess was informed of the actions of her Paladins and has not overturned their decision, yet it is reported that she is quite upset at them for doing so without her prior consent.

The Magistrate for each estate is traditionally appointed by the estate owner. Each Paladin has at least two estates of his own, but the estate of Ashbury is owned by Duchess Mara herself.

The first case Lord Magistrate Aloryn heard was one that had been untried by the previous Lord Magistrate involving the adventurer Elias Triphammer of the mercenary group the Company. Elias had been charged with committing necromancy while on a quest to search a necromancer's tomb.

Elias himself died on his quest and could not remember the period in question but his adventuring party testified on his behalf. Also testifying as to Elias' character were Sorceress Shalizar and two members of the Mist Wood Rangers. Elias was represented by local solicitor Quentin Dunbury. Also present during the trial were the Paladins Sir Thyren and Sir Hieronymous.

The main accuser of Elias was adventurer Franklin DeBlanc who was in the tomb at the time. Franklin testified that Elias had cast a "Desecrate" spell. Lord Magistrate Aloryn believed Franklin, especially since no one could provide a motive as to why Franklin would lie about the subject.

"The trial took a turn against Elias when members of the Company contradicted their own testimonies about the event," stated the Lord Magistrate. To make matters worse, the Company was overheard in the tavern making retribution plans in case Elias was found guilty, and was also overheard "trying to get their stories straight."

Elias was found guilty, sentenced to a death and ordered to pay a fine of 5 gold pieces. An appeal by Quentin removed the death charge (since Elias had already suffered a death upon his quest) but the fine remained. Elias was remorseful even though he could not recall the incident and took his punishment bravely and without complaint.

However, some citizens complained that the punishment was too light. Lord Magistrate Aloryn stated that the overall loss of 5 gold, loss of guildman status in the Healers' Guild, the previous death and the knowledge that he would forevermore be referred to as a "convicted necromancer" and unable to obtain a noble title were sufficient punishments given the circumstances in the case.

"The evidence against me was purely circumstantial," stated Elias afterwards, "but I accept the judgement of the Lord Magistrate and will do everything that I can to prove that I am not an evil person."

Ironically, immediately after the trial, the accuser Franklin was arrested and charged with assault, battery, and thievery for his actions against the Company during the same period.

The members of the Company who testified (Algidus Shadowhawk, Roul the Blunt, and Morlox Nightshade) were then brought in and charged with perjury, conspiracy and contempt for lying during a trial and attempting to cover up the incident. Each was fined 5 gold. Morlox vehemently protested but was unsuccessful in his attempt to change the Magistrate's mind.

Sir Hieronymous then proposed that perhaps some discipline would be in order and suggested that a further penalty might be conscription in the Royal Army. The Lord Magistrate agreed but stated that the penalty would be either 5 gold or a years' service in the Royal Army. He gave the members two months to either come up with the money or turn themselves in for army duty. (Given the reputation for harsh justice in the military as well as Sir Hieronymous' intolerance for disobedience, one might question which is the more severe sentence.)

A few weeks later, four of the notorious Korombos brothers (Dinan, Donovan, Tarlyn and Vayne) turned themselves in for a variety of charges. The exact details of the trial are being kept a secret since there are still Korombos brothers at large but the following is known.

The charges against the Korombos brothers came from sources who wished to remain anonymous for their own protection as well as confessions from the brothers themselves.

There were at least three counts of necromancy, two counts of murder, two counts of treason (conspiring to frame and murder nobles), and many charges of conspiracy.

Donovan was sentenced to four deaths. Elric, Tarlyn and Dinan each took three deaths. Dinan also was sentenced to a year's service in the Royal Army.

Since the Healers' Guild cannot currently perform Obliterations due to lack of components, all of the defendants willingly submitted themselves to the number of deaths sentenced. Unfortunately for Elric, he did not resurrect after his third death.

All have paid for their crimes and are now free. Vayne has not yet been tried as he has obtained a solicitor. The Lord Magistrate granted his request for an extension to prepare. Vayne is in the custody of the Mages' Guild at the present time.


Baron Morgan Dies Fighting Fire Ants

Baron Morgan Blackbourne of Trellheim died in late January while fighting large fire ants. Although he does not remember the circumstances surrounding his death, his squires reported that he charged heroically into battle against the evil creatures which had been destroying nearby farms with their raids.

The fire ants were apparently created as a result of experiments conducted by a biologist interested in insect life. "At least they didn't come through another bloody rift," said farmer Nevik Greenbranch.

Baron Morgan was resurrected by Isabella Nault in the Ashbury Healers' Guild. He has vowed to continuously fight against creatures that threaten Ashbury.


Healers' Guild to Charge for All Resurrections

The Ashbury Healers' Guild announced recently that funds have been very low and that they are being forced by economic considerations primarily caused by the troll battles to charge for every resurrection.

"The primary component for a resurrection is pure silver," explained Guildmistress Isabella Nault. "We have been subsidizing resurrections from our estate for the poorer creatures in our society but we can no longer afford to do so."

The reserve fund was recently exhausted with the resurrections of Baron Morgan and the Koromobs brothers. The Guild is now requesting payment in advance, either by having compatriots bring your possessions to the Guild or by buying Death Insurance.

Death Insurance records are kept by Guildmaster Isabella and no one else. She guarantees that any who purchase the insurance will be given a receipt. "It would be a nice gesture for some noble households to donate funds for the poor creatures who cannot afford them," suggested Isabella. "It would be a shame if we have to melt down silver weapons and armor in order to save someone's life."

Isabella plans on using her money she makes selling spells and identifying components to her newly established "Poor Creatures Fund."

As an additional cost cutting measure, tea and cookies will no longer be served to the newly resurrected.


Adventurers Disappear

A group of local adventurers known as The White Scythe have disappeared without a trace. Friends and family of the group have asked for assistance in locating them.

They were last seen in mid January at the Dragon's Flagon. One patron who wishes to remain unnamed stated that he heard them talking excitedly about a note they had found with a treasure map attached. Apparently the group was just about to embark upon the quest for the treasure. They left the tavern and were not seen again. They have not been reported to have resurrected at any Healers' Guild in the vicinity.


The Real News

by Cleo Smith

Hello everyone! Today I'm going to tell a little bit of Ashbury history, specifically the sad story of Baron Bryan's little brother Sethric! Now in case you see poor Sethric around town, please don't say anything about the state of his shirt--apparently he only owns one! But you might want to ask him if he's cleaned his room at Nordenn Keep yet.

You'll also have to excuse his odd behavior. When he was just a little biata boy, his "nasty uncle Dennis" supposedly pushed him down a well! This is where young Sethric spent the next twelve years of his life until one day he woke up and was outside! (This all seems perfectly normal to him.) Now he and his odd butler Nicadaemus Gotham live with big brother Baron Bryan. Incidentally, don't bother asking Nicky about any of this. It will probably put him in a bad mood (He's a Quentari elf.)

Here are some people to watch out for: The Korombos brothers (except for Elric), especially if you happen to be on their infamous list. Kerrugan and Lornlin were also recently described as "criminals at large." Tip your hat off to Caleb if you see him--he had weathersense enough to find new traveling companions just in time. On the flip side of the coin is poor (former Squire) Dinnin who seems to have taken up with the wrong crowd at the wrong time. Watch out also for the Merchants' Guild at least as far as money matters are concerned. Also, the new Magistrate Aloryn--if you want the news on him, go ask Tsarbane Runeweaver.

Now for some fun. Here are a few quotes from people who hang around the tavern too much. Have fun matching the quotes with the people who said them! (Some names match more than one quote.)

Names to match: Donovan Korombos, Squire Justice, Peter Ivonovich, Wilhelm Neumacht, Somebody in The Company, Squire Hanson, Baron Bryan, Baron Morgan, Tobias "The Blood" Red, Sir Angus, Lord Magistrate Aloryn, Faustus Neumacht.

Quotes:

"He was conscious. No, he was unconscious. . .wait, no. . .he was unconscious."

"I don't have to pay for it."

"If you don't steal from us, we won't steal from you."

"It's OK to use necromancy if it's to defeat a greater evil."

"Even necromancers deserve a little celebration."

"We are in the middle of. . .I really can't say right now."

"I want 500 swords, 300 polearms, and 200 bows by the end of next week."

". . .our meeting with the Fist. . ."

"I have done nothing wrong."

"I didn't do anything. They don't even have any evidence against me."

"We have enough to worry about in our past."

"Hopefully, our plans will benefit the town more than some other. . .ahhhh, nevermind."

"I am married to the Duchy, not the Duchess."

"Beer weakens the will."

"I'm the fool."

"I'll have four tuna sandwiches."

"You have to take the time to do the job correctly."


Public Notices

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD will pay gold for Graphite and Volcano Lava of good quality. Visit Midnight Guildshall during the hours of noon - 6 pm and 8 pm - midnight or seek out Sorceress Shalizar.

BARON BLACKBOURNE: You, your murderous seneschal and your necromantic followers are working on borrowed time. May the honorable members of Trellheim overthrow you and deliver the barony for the shadow of darkness you have cast. You're on our list!

MAGIC ITEM FOR SALE! The Ashbury Mages' Guild is auctioning off a temporary magic item which has the power of Restore Limb four times ever. Bids can be placed any time before April 30th at 9 pm. The item will be rewarded immediately thereafter based on the bid most useful to the Guild. This extended auction is open to all but the actual bids will remain secret. Contact Apprentice Faustus Neumacht of the Brewers to place your bids.

BRYAN: You will pay.

HEALING COMPONENTS BOUGHT. Good prices. Sell your components to those who will use them for the cause of good. See Camilla Zatar.

WE KNOW - The Korombos Brothers.

NEED INFORMATION? If it's out there, I can find it. Also contracts, legal representation, and advice. - Quentin Dunbury

MABEOR: You have nothing to fear. Return to me. - Shalizar

DUCHESS MARA: Our powers and influence are greater than you imagine. You will take many more deaths at our hands. - The Fist.

THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new Apprentice: Tatiana Verakoznie, Wolverine Gypsy Clan; And the following promotion to Guildsman: Justice, Barony of Trellheim