Zalinarik Helps to Defeat Morganna in Bartleby

In the cold frigid morning of the ides of January the desecrated remains of Bartleby once again stood before the assembled armies of the Military District of Trellheim. Legions of twisted corpses, non-corporeal undead, and other horrors “awaited” their attackers beneath the gray overcast skies of what was once a prosperous community on the doorstep to Niman. Never really a peaceful or beautiful place, Bartleby was nevertheless the home to well over 500 citizens before the days last autumn where the Shadow Mage, Loscarnos De Morganna, claimed it in tribute for the wife executed by Lord Hanson of Trellheim.

Hundreds lost their lives that day—brutally butchered, captured, or “disappearing”—demonstrating the uncharacteristic anger and fury displayed by the Ancient Vampire Morganna. Taking many days to mobilize against this Dragon mage’s forces, the people of Trellheim were confronted by reinforced undead in the hundreds, lead by powerful Lords of Death and vampires.

The assembled host of Trellheim dug-in and awaited the words of Sir Radric Hellfax to move on to assault the undead. It was clear though without any doubt that Bartleby, called “Strykna” by the Shadow mage’s minions, was going to be a difficult nut to crack. Over the months, the undead defense was increasingly built up in preparation for the attack from the honored and glorious legions of the Military District. The assault would have come at a tremendous price for the forces of Ashbury.

As members of Trellheim looked to other powerful allies, such as King Elenaro of Quentari, to counteract the power of Morganna, events were set in motion from an unexpected source.

The day was colder than was typical in Trellheim over the winter, and the morning pickets were changed as the Army awoke from its bed to prepare once again for the lengthy stand off. It would be wrong to say that the long stand off with the undead had not left its mark upon the minds of each and every soldier in Red and Black. . . “unsettled” would be an understatement.

Three days previous, Captain Hegrim Greyknot had conducted a reconnaissance in force far down the line of standoff without proper authority. He penetrated deep within lines and almost to the former city of Bartleby, when suddenly the seemingly empty fields that they crossed burst open in a spray of dirt and bone as hundreds of undead crawled from beneath the soil to grasp and claw at the unfortunate group of soldiers. While they fought bravely, they were quickly overcome, pulled from their mounts, and devoured.

Creepshow, a minion of Morganna, halted the macabre meal and danced among the corpses, animating them and leading them back towards the waiting Army. He then formed them into a chorus line which then groaned out a pathetic parody of the Trellheim anthem. Particularly insulting of course was the fact that they gathered around Creepshow, who then shouted that he was the true Baronial heir to Trellheim and demanded to speak with the Duke in regards to this oversight of his lineage!

Despite the terrible insult to the honor of the Armies of Trellheim, they awaited word from the Military Governor. Captain Hegrim was dragged away by vampires screaming “Trellheim forever”—the last words likely of a very dead fool. Perhaps the most frightening facet of this entire debacle was the fact that it occurred in broad daylight, and the vampires sauntered about with impunity.

With vengeance in their blood, the Armies of Trellheim awaited the chance to gain revenge for the massacred citizens of Bartleby. Three days later the forces of Trellheim received their chance.

It began with a strange slit of blue light appearing within the Camp of the court of the Military District. The blue light cut a hole through reality like a knife, and as the portal widened, the area was pierced with an eerie blue light. From the portal, a single elf wearing bright red robes simply strode out into the camp as the portal crashed shut behind him. As guards readied their weapons, Captain Morlox and the Governor himself appeared with their Court to confront this strange traveler. Standing before the Governor the elf said, “Prepare your forces to attack, we will arrive within fifteen minutes.” The elf then turned and strode before the fields of Bartleby at sat cross legged, starring toward the fortifications of the Castle Morganna had built out of the bones of the citizens of Bartleby.

Bewildered by this visitor, word was sent forth to make ready when Morlox and Sir Radrick went forward to question this benefactor. Radric said “I have sent word for my men to make ready but who are you?” With a disdainful smile upon his face the elf answered, “I am Airelerion, Master of the 4th Ring, Apprentice to Zalinarik.” Questioning proceeded, but the elf answered only tacitly and briefly preferring to gaze ahead at a hideous task.

Moments later, several of the strange blue portals began to appear with strange buzzing sounds. Zalinarik’s strike force arrived in organized splendor, arraying their small but impressive forms before the assembled leadership of the court of Trellheim. Dozens of Red Robed apprentices were fully armored in Bone Golem and Obsidian Golem bodies. In addition, there also appeared to be many members of the Amani Rangers who were apparently assigned to Zalinarik’s castle itself as indicated by the stylized silver eyes blazing from their cloaks. Whatever their intentions, it was clear that these elves intended no stealth to be used in their attack on the holdings of Morganna.

Organizing in cells of ten, the approximately hundred individuals of Zalinarik’s strike teams prepared their scrolls, swung their magical weapons, and adjusted their armor over their bone golem forms. Unfurling the standard of the master of Zalinarik’s Keep, the blazing silver eyes on a blue background with red trim glowed with their own magnificent radiance. Seemingly this banner itself radiated some dweomer that dazzled onlookers and smote undead.

The small troop formed a tight circle in preparation for the attack. Airelerion once more turned to Sir Radric completely expecting his cooperation and instructed him to follow them in approximately 15 minutes. For the first time, members of the Court of Trellheim noticed the gleaming stakes of woe within the hands of several of the knots of elven warriors.

Rushing into the fields of Bartleby, the forces of Zalinarik’s legion clashed immediately with undead hordes that rose to meet them. Harmlessly striking the bone golems, the forces of the Mage of the Ash Forest struck the foul minions of chaos down like wheat before a scythe. Airelerion, apparently the beneficiary of a powerful protection aura, ignored many of the undead and concentrated his efforts in locating and eliminating vampires. Searching them out with a force of over twenty bone golemed apprentices and rangers, they inflicted permanent deaths upon three dozen fledglings and mature vampires, their tortured cries unheard from Morganna’s castle above.

As the battle raged, there was no response from the great keep of bone within which the Shadow Mage apparently resided.

During the early moments of the battle, the forces of Zalinarik’s seemed unstoppable—until confronted by a powerful group of undead death lords lead by the infamous Creepshow and his minion Truxton the Betrayer. They exchanged volleys for many moments, as Captain Yngvar Holindarn called for the charge. Grimly but with hope in his eyes of victory, Sir Radric agreed and the assembled Armies of Trellheim sprang from their primitive fortifications like hounds released for the hunt—vengeance on their lips via rippling battle cries! Smashing the remnants of Morganna’s undead host from three directions at once, the Armies of Trellheim left swirling winds of dust in their wake.

Zalinarik’s legion, although slowed down for a time, picked up the pace and plowed ahead despite the loss of several of their comrades. As the forces of Zalinarik and Hellfax united, the foul wraithlike beast candidly called “Hector” by local residents was thrown into the great melee. Released apparently by Creepshow, the dreaded Spectre of Morganna rushed into the fray causing havoc within the lines of the Armies of Trellheim until Airelerion and three blue cloaked Rangers descended upon the enormous spectral beast and proceeded to dissect it. Phasing dozens of spells, weapons blows, and attacks, the creature was finally annihilated in a terrific display of light and energy. No longer would this creature torment the estates of Ashbury, its threat forever terminated.

In three hours of fighting, the undead seemed nearly eradicated and parties of Trellheim troops were dispatched to eliminate any stragglers and vampires fleeing with small groups. During the battle, Tavish Capulus was killed beneath the threshing magical weapons of the apprentices and rangers. Doron Malfour’s men raised a cheer at the destruction of the defiler of the Capulus name, and struck down many of Creepshow’s forces to drive their displeasure home. With characteristic guile and stealth, Truxton eluded destruction in disappeared within the confines of Morganna citadel of bone.

The castle, having lost its external army, still seemed poised to await the decision of Morganna as to its next move when the miraculous occurred. Hurtling through the clouds and appearing directly over the citadel, a great wyrm appeared. Many witnessed its powerful wing strokes spraying the enormous piles of dust to the four winds. Measuring nearly two hundred feet in length, the dragon effortlessly seemed to nearly hover over Morganna’s citadel and with the incredible intake of air, bathed the battlements and towers of the citadel with molten fire. The compressed bone and stone shattered at the intense heat, sundering the structure nearly beyond any recognition. With a powerful swing from its tail and the pummeling of its mighty wings, the remainder of the structure was reduced to mere rubble. Seemingly satisfied with its part in this story, the creature wheeled away and departed as quickly as it came—with members of the Army darting for cover or staring in unheralded awe.

With the crushing of the castle, a cheer rang across the battlefield trumpeting the victory and battle for Bartleby. The portals appeared and the elves departed unthanked but not unappreciated. Airelerion approached Sir Radric and his healer Caleb Hand and stared at them and said “This victory is not without cost.” Sir Radric gave his sincere thanks and stood bewildered as Airelerion departed through another of the mysterious gates.

Looking over the remains of Bartleby, it is a wonder if it will ever be the same—for nothing seems to have grown there since this whole affair began last fall. Perhaps with the spring, the true healing of Bartleby will begin again.

On a final note: Word has reached His Grace of this magnificent victory. When questioned on the retaking of Bartleby, the Duke responded with this statement: “The Ash Forest has always stood with Ashbury as our staunchest supporters. From the people of Ashbury, I extend personal thanks to the forces of the Forest as well as Zalinarik himself. I hope someday I can offer my thanks to him personally. Ashbury stands poised to aid the Master of Zalanarik’s Keep some unforeseen day in the future. In addition a special accommodation should be offered to the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces of Trellheim. You have been patient and stalwart, and may you return home for a brief time to share your happiness with your family and nobility. Sir Radric Hellfax, you are doing an excellent job.”

One must wonder where Loscarnos de Morganna was during the second destruction of his beloved Strykna, especially considering the time and resources he must have expended on this retribution on Lord Hanson. Zalinarik was not reachable for comment.


Harvest Moon Resurfaces

Recent evidence uncovered in western Blythedale indicates that the nefarious group of murderers and villains known as the Harvest Moon has been responsible for a series of attacks in the region.

In fact, it appears that the Harvest Moon has been trying to leave its mark on Ashbury, defying wisdom by leaving signs of their presence at all of their raids. They avoid populated areas and prey on the helpless and weak.

“It just goes to show to me that our system of justice is a farce,” said one farmer whose family had all been murdered by the criminals. “If these knaves had been Obliterated the first time they were caught, none of this would have happened.” She did not blame any nobles personally, but said she had more respect for commoner’s groups like the FFBA.

Some commoners have said that the Harvest Moon has attacked elsewhere but that there is a “conspiracy” at the highest levels to keep the citizens from panicking.


Tavernier Accosted by Foreign Soldiers

Recently three unknown soldiers arrived in town asking for the whereabouts of Tavernier Septorian. Upon sighting the Squire, the three approached him with grim expressions. Squire Tavernier appeared to recognize one of them and greeted him with surprise, calling him Algrian. Algrian replied by calling the squire a treasonous coward, to which Tavernier recoiled as if slapped. Algrian’s captain then said that the three were here under orders of Earl Rasmus the Black of Brookshire and carried a writ of arrest and obliteration for General Tavernier Septorian.

Baron Algar stepped between the two, preventing a furious Squire Tavernier from attacking. and asked to see the order, which was brought to Duke Bryan who said that Ashbury does not recognize the Authority of the Earl and would not allow them to remove any of his citizens.

The next day, the three soldiers again returned and repeated their demands that Squire Tavernier return with them. The Squire asked the one he called Algrian if he would drink an enslavement antidote. Algrian agreed, and when Tavernier asked him whom he served, Algrian replied “You know who I serve,” and attacked his companions. The other two soldiers were quickly despatched by Algrian with help ffrom Tavernier, Thorn, Cormack, Dame Kittery, and Zatarina.

Algrian then spent a lengthy discussion with Squire Tavernier, where he was overheard apologizing for his earlier enslavement-induced comments and actions, and explaining about some treachery to his former companions. The other two soldiers were healed and reported to Dame Kittery that they worried that if they returned to Brookshire without the Squire they would be killed. The two were then escorted to Ashbury’s borders and given weapons for their return home.


A Little Birdie Told Me

by Sue D’Onym

Hello, everyone, and time for the News They Don’t Want You To Know. Being winter, not as much happens in Ashbury—or maybe they just keep it behind closed doors more.

Duke Bryan’s construction project is coming along fine, as many of the larger inner city buildings are fortified and placed closer together, with a long hall connecting them. This should help prevent Ashbury from being so prone to monster attacks by whichever Big Nasty Bad Guy wants to take over it this month. . .or so the theory goes.

Meanwhile, first mom Isabella visited the tavern recently and insulted as many of her son’s subjects as she could by referring to all nonbiata as “animals” and “inferior.” Now why in the world do the biata have such a hostile reputation?

Chandrak has been searching for the biata Kelsea, who he blames for his inexplicable feelings a few months ago. “She make me pick flowers for her and sing her love songs!” he complained. Seems he was Loved to the poor woman by some fey a while ago but it has worn off. “I just want to work out problem with her” he said. Hmm. . .now how do half ogres work out their problems?

Zatarina is fuming over the loss of all of the commoner’s Guild magic scrolls at the hands of the Mages’ Guild. Seems Zat gave the scrolls to Dame Kittery to dispense to commoners who needed them for the lizardman battle last December, but they were stolen from the Guild before they could be used. Dame Kittery was most apologetic but made no offer of compensation. Shalizar however promised to find out who stole them—if I were the thief, that would worry me.

Azura tried to resign her squireship from the Ash Forest recently but was not allowed to. What’s gotten into her, do you suppose? By the way, Azura, we don’t buy the story that the night you spent making love with Olin was to try and cure Tuskblight.

The Sir Radric Watch is at Month Five for those of you keeping score.

Mysterious goings-on in the Ducal Prisons! It seems that a certain Stone Elf prisoner just disappeared a few weeks ago. His Grace, angered beyond words, immediately fired the Guard. A week later, the prisoner was spotted back in her cell, and when questioned had no memory of even leaving!

Meanwhile, apparently not too many heroes are out looking for Robert Oakwood and Draeth, who were kidnapped by slavers a while ago. Then again, there are no real clues either.

Well, that’s all I have room for this month. Keep me informed of the latest. I always keep my sources confidential. Good gossip is always true (but usually embarassing!). So until March, remember—If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.


Public Notices

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.

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.

BODYGUARDS wanted and available. See Zatarina at the Dragon’s Flagon Friday nights. Inexperienced adventurers accepted; we will help get you training and help you organize.

ATTENTION ASHBANS! Has all the recent necromancer activity got you more than a bit frightened? Are worried that someday, either your relatives or your eternal rest may one day be disturbed by someone using the forces of Chaos? Be afraid no longer! We at the Ashbury Undertaker Guild shall make sure you’re protected! Arrange in advance for yourself to make sure your wishes are fulfilled! And be sure to remember your loved ones when, enivitably, their time comes. – Aerryl, Undertaker Guildmaster.

AFFORDABLE PROPERTY PROTECTION is now provided by Perplexed Productions. Speak to Per-plexicaticus Asplundh.

REWARD: Lost mace. It glow with magic. It long and got four flat things on end. If you know where it is or you see it come tell me. My name Marr. You can not miss me I’m big and yellow. Thanks.