Ashbury Heroes Fail to Retake Shadowkeep, Suffer Many Losses
With the wind howling above the final sounds of dying citizens, the battle at the Shadowkeep Military Academy in the shadow of the castle itself drew to a close. With the final charge the Ashbans made a daring attack against at least four death knight type creatures and their remaining minions. After regrouping and debating pressing forward again, Sir Zachary and members of the court of Nordenn felt their adversaries were as nearly depleted as they were and victory was one audacious attack away.
The undead were of course servants of the infamous Geist that has haunted the Barony of Nordenn for years and is rumored to control the powerful land bond of the Barony. With deadly precision the foul abominations held their ground against the Ashbans and crushed the heroes’ final effort.
Over ten Ashbans valiantly lost their lives, including many of the Courts of Nordenn and the Ash Forest, as the undead utilized a variety of rituals enhancements assumedly provided by the necromantic guild known as the Hand of the Geist to defeat our citizens.
At one point, when most Ashbans had fled or were dying, Calis made a deal with the undead who allowed him to pick up some of the wounded and retreat. Squire Azura, while weeping for her fallen comrades, helped to gather up what citizens she could and she ordered a withdrawal from the battlefield that saved dozens of remaining citizens.
As the withdrawal was completed, the Geist is suspected to have utilized the land bond to drive out remaining Nordenn Forces, but to understand the aftermath it is necessary to explain events leading up to this encounter.
The Court of Nordenn had sent out a call to adventurers to arrive to investigate the recently horrible events reported at Shadowkeep in the last Ashbury Times. Arriving adventurers found the estate in chaos, with many undead wandered among the streets of the town and the estate garrison nearly in a rout.
The adventurers arrived to find Shadowkeep sealed by strange magics, and were warned that to touch the keep itself caused instant unpreventable death. Sergeant Nathan Broomis Jr. arrived to instruct the citizens that Baron Douglas rode from the keep each night to search the streets for victims with his undead regiment. Sergeant Nathan was accompanied by Captain Logis, commander of the 2nd Nordenn Irregulars mixed regiment, who reported directly to Baron Olin and offered sagely advice and received orders for the garrison.
Nathan Broomis Jr., one of the three surviving sons of the late Captain Nathan Broomis who died of a heard attack while arm wrestling with a comrade, told of the “password” and not to trust anyone who did not know the password. Nathan explained that many of the troops had been stripped of their tabards during battle and that these tabards were now being worn by imposters. While Nathan explained that some citizens still lived within the estate, those that did not know the password should be arrested on sight – especially if they did not provide the name of their company commander.
Perhaps one of the most frightening displays of the Geist’s influence on the citizens within the keep were the dread chills received by the adventurers as they felt its presence nearby at the distant reaches of the perception. A mere mention of the Geist’s name had a terrible impact on some of the citizens. At one point during Nathan’s presentation, several adventurers immediately started howling in pain and fear. Some began to writhe on the floor, and Zatarina hid herself in the bathroom and refused to come out, paralyzed with fear. Others, during normal conversations, stated frightening things such as “I will devour your spirit”. Healers rushed to the aid of these fallen, and things were set right – and the adventurers were released from the grasp of the Geist’s main weapon: Possession.
As the Sergeant and Captain departed, many members of the Court of Nordenn found themselves mysteriously watched by fellow adventurers. Baron Olin was seen inspecting one such man, a new adventurer who seemed to be following him around for reasons unknown. Reports indicate that such a possession technique is used by the Geist – to wait until a member of the Court was incapacitated and rush forward and administer a killing strike. Later Baron Olin was seen speaking with a strange elven woman quietly in the tavern, and reports indicate she may be a member of some organization dedicated to defeating the Geist.
One of those who was possessed — although in an unusual way — was Squire Scarn, who fell afoul of some form of the legendary doppleganger. Apparently captured and ambushed, Scarn’s form was absorbed and began to hunt about the town. Squire Scarn’s somewhat quiet nature and stutter immediately disappeared and were replaced with a angry and aggressive voice. Scarn the doppleganger was later revealed during a fight when undead destroyed the doppleganger – and the body of the squire reformed and was given a Life spell. It is rumored that several others may have fallen to this lurking creature or its kind, and recommendations are made for all to check their comrades.
During that first night, undead attacks gradually increased as strange skeletons began to appear from areas outside of town. One such skeleton shook and move erratically and one adventurer dubbed the strange creature a “Grave Dancer”. The creature seemed to be able to resist the effects of summon force spells as well as generate the ability to disarm an opponent. Sir Jaret ran afoul of these creatures at one point, and required healing when they ambushed him.
Several beggars entered town soon after, fleeing in fear of the undead, and they possessed knowledge of the password. While kind and seemingly generous, in reality the beggars were far more vile. It seems that these beggars were some form of ghoul or other flesh eating undead, and as the adventurers of Ashbury fought with Douglas Nordenn later in the evening, these beggars in search of a meal managed to feast and kill several incapacitated adventurers left in the tavern. Alexander Greatheart and Martin Dexter fell to these foul fiends who feasted on their flesh and they were forced to resurrect.
A patrol tracked the beggars to some sort of compound to the south of the keep. It was protected by a magical archway, and they could not enter. Similar compounds were found the next day.
About the time the beggars arrived, other strange skeletons appeared with the ability to wither limbs. Adventurers following the undead heard hysterical screams for help. The town gathered and pressed through the minor undead abominations and found in the ruins of a stable found more powerful undead… in the form of floating skulls, at least two death rogues, a death wizard , and the two most powerful minions of the Geist: Douglas and Crystavia Nordenn.
Sergeant Nathan screamed hysterically as Crystavia used a wicked looking dagger to cut off his arm. She threw the arm to the ground and one of the withering skeletons formed immediately and attacked the adventurers.
Baron Olin demanded to know the fate of Captain Logis as Nathan screamed “Please don’t cut off any more limbs” and with a wicked laugh Crystavia retorted “Hanging around here somewhere!”
She called to her husband from her circle of power and Douglas immediately appeared and bellowed a challenge to Olin and the Ashbans. He attacked and Crystavia dropped her circle and hurled foul bolts of chaos at the adventurers, and it is suspected she may be in fact a chaos elemental of sorts.
As Douglas battered Ashbans, Crystavia departed with a spirit recall and left her husband to fend for himself. Douglas was overcome and defeated. The undead hunter Jack Whisper found Captain Logis in the moonlight dangling from a tree – apparently hung by the former Baron of Nordenn. Acting quickly so as not to allow the frightening image to be viewed by the adventurers, Jack cut down the Captain.
After the battle, Nathan was healed and explained that their patrol was ambushed when Douglas Nordenn rode from the gates. They tortured Logis who bravely would not cry out, and then hung him like a common thief calling him a traitor.
The body of Logis sprung up later that night with his neck lolling horribly to one side and began to speak to Baron Olin. Sergeant Nathan and several others cut down Logis but his form kept springing up to torment the Baron, and the body was burned.
A powerful undead abomination appeared later in the evening calling himself Baron Forderick of the Pendrake line. The Baron spoke with Baron Olin for a time and other citizens and although arrogant and somewhat belligerent relinquished his weapons. Claiming to be the Baron of the Icenian Barony of Forderick, the Baron explained that the compound in which he inhabited no longer possessed the protections created to resist the Curse of Glantri. While it is clear the Baron despised his undead form, he later departed for places unknown. What was said to citizens and the Baron is not known. He harmed no one and abided by the Code of Chivalry, and was even churlish enough to comment on Baron Olin’s leadership ability on the battlefield.
As the evening grew later, the Geist appeared and manifested before the town. Beginning to speak with Baron Olin the Geist invoked the land bond before the assembled adventurers. Immediately all of the adventurer’s turned to face Olin and his court and began transforming to undead before their very eyes.
Raising his sword above his head a shower of light appeared as Olin screamed “I invoke the power of the Symbol of Bonding”. Light shot from his weapon and the Geist screamed in anger. Shouting to Olin “I have another gift for you Olin” non-corporeal undead formed, led by Captain Logis himself – now a powerful wraith lord. The fight issued as the Geist giggled insanely and disappeared, as Ashbans rallied lead by the undead killing machine called the Barony of the Ash Forest and fought for nearly thirty minutes against Captain Logis who reformed when defeated and dozens of undead believed to be spectres. It is hoped that Captain Logis is finally at rest.
During the next morning several groups moved out to explore the surrounding areas and discovered several lairs of the Hand of the Geist. Once such group of adventurers returned with word that the Hand of the Geist was assembling in the now-abandoned Nordenn Military College and plans were laid down to assault the college.
A patrol brought forth a strange captive who insistently called the soldiers Galanthians and believed anyone he spoke with possessed the sigil of a sword of lore on their face. Convincing the man with kindness and generosity, Guildmistress Natasha and Baron Olin spoke with him at great lengths and believe him to be a member of the Forderick family.
Claiming to be from “Thunder Grove,” a location in old Forderick approximately similar to Stormwood, the captive told of the four Forderick lines that attempted to escape Glantri’s curse by building magical compounds. The the families are apparently those from the estates of Jumper’s Bluff (Nordenn Keep), Caliope (Bloodstone), and Pendrake (Patridge). The four families apparently at various times controlling the Barony of Forderick within the Duchy of Valkonkyrie. He referred to Shadow Keep as “Castle Umber” the hereditary seat of the Forderick Barony. The compounds were apparently is possession of a powerful field that caused death to those that touched the compound, however the Thunder Grove Fordericks believe that the other three compounds lacked sufficient rituals to provide any real protection.
He told of the hubris of the Pendrakes, the lack of forethought of the Jumper’s Bluff Fordericks, and the abuse of the environment of the Caliopes. While more information was likely attainted in these discussions, the most important thing was that the captive revealed the codes on the magical archways of the four compounds and Olin dispatched groups to investigate the various compounds.
The compounds themselves all apparently lacked the “Field of Protection” that apparently had disappeared and now apparently protect Shadowkeep. Details of what was found in the compounds is sketchy, but it is believed Baron Olin and court successfully restored the Pendrake family and a group led by the Ash Forest including Shya Corak, Squire Sparktet, Calis, Drakonios, Jack Whisper, Luigie and others may have restored the Caliope family.
With darkness falling, Ashbans assembled to assault the Hand of the Geist and their lair in the College of Military Sciences. Depleted from onerous fighting in the estate, the goal of capturing the Hand before their potential escape was critical to defeating the Geist. Once they arrived within the college they were confronted by Squire Gabriel, servant of Douglas and leader of the Hand of the Geist. Armored in powerful undead forms, four powerful leaders and their pet ghast called dozens of skeletons from their locations. The squire successfully imprisoned many of the Court of Nordenn. Natasha found the Baron imprisoned and hid him in the woods, unable to remove the dweomer.
The fight grew heavy and the undead wishing to bring Olin to the master were willing to bargain for the location of the Baron. During this, the Ashbans managed to restore many of their comrades. Sir Zachary argued that a final push to defeat the undead should happen. Against the advice of many present, Sir Zachary urged all to accompany him to destroy the foul undead. The powerful death knight believed to be Lord Alex Borland (removed years ago by then-Baron Bryan) stated without remorse he would kill all who returned.
The attack was foiled by the Hand of the Geist, and many individuals were forced to resurrect. Without any hestitation they took at least three magical weapons and killed at least ten Ashbans, collecting their belongings and possessions.
Resurrecting citizens apparently were immediately drawn to the keep itself, into the former location of the Healer’s Guild circle — and emerged from the gates of the keep itself later with traumatic stories of dark forms performing the resurrection. Unfortunately this resulted in the permanent deaths of both biata historian Shya Corak and Gilwing, champion of Kelanor the 5th.
The Geist appeared before the withdrawing survivors, and with a laugh and chuckle in invoked the land bond once again. Heavy snows and rains began to pelt the area. Undead began to spill from the keep itself, engaging the troops called by Baron Olin. However, the foul magical weather has caused all troops to withdraw from the area. The powerful snows and winds continue to pummel the estate of Shadowkeep making it nearly inaccessible to troops and citizens.
Without any doubt Ashbans will return to this vile place and exact vengeance upon the Geist and its foul minions.
Meanwhile, recent reports in the estate of Felgund indicate that the Hand of the Geist attacked several homes, murdering several individuals of the organization called the “Bond Breakers”. The characteristic “Hand of Blood” imprint was found on several of the walls with indications from the Geist that it would hunt down the Court of Nordenn and all those that sought to defeat him. More information on these Bondbeakers has been withheld upon their request for their own safety.
And finally, the mysterious disappearance of Sir Du’Gaul Darkfire is in hot debate among the citizens of Shadowkeep, as it is rumored that Sir Du’Gaul might have entered the keep itself at some point to gloriously confront the Geist in battle. Members of Sir Du’Gaul’s personal guard have resurrected successfully but could provide no information as to the fate of the Nordenn knight.
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Shya Corak. This intrepid woman died in defense of the duchy that we now all call home. She is a hero in the truest sense of the word, and though not a noble in title, was indeed a noble in spirit.
My wife and I will be in the Ash Forest in March, and will perform a spirit farewall for the brave, young Shya. All those that knew and cared for her are invited to attend to say their final goodbyes.
Sir Frost Vardik
I have written the obituary of Master Smith Gilwing...one of the most hardest and painful things I’ve ever done.
Gilwing died at the young age of 88, which in dwarven years he was considered a teenager. To lose a life at such a young age breaks my heart. I think of all the things he has accomplished and done, and what he was destined to do in a long and bright future — cut away from him with a swipe of a blade.
Most people never really knew the real Gilwing...his past, and his dreams of the future. He shared those things with me through a long and prosperous friendship. He was a dear friend and I will miss him greatly.
He was a tough little guy with a big mouth and a thick skull. He joined the Commoner’s Guild as their head smith and I took work in the tavern.
After his skills grew, he joined the Ash Forest and their Master Smith and loyal to Baron Agnar because he liked his “style” as he put it. There we were very happy and he took the team on as a second family to him. Now...I am happy...alone, by myself, without one of my closest friend to talk to, laugh with, drink with...my business partner, confidant, and brother. Gilwing was a little guy with a big heart...and an even bigger mouth that got him into trouble most of the time. He had a “leap before you look” attitude towards life, with a thick skull and a stubbornness that can only be appreciated by the people that truly knew him. He had a giving heart and always stood up for the “little guy.”
One of his dreams was to own his own guild and we accomplished that one dream by opening up a New Commoner’s Guild for Ashbury as partners. He became a Hero to his people and Champion to King Kelanor’s daughter. He was granted the honor of wielding Moonshadow and was granted ownership of the Ring of Melding...two very honored and treasured Dwarven artifacts. He accomplished a lot in his short life, but was denied so much more.
He wanted to help rebuild Trollsgate after we freed it from the trolls a few months back, he wanted to be a Squire to Kelanor’s daughter...and maybe a bit more. He wanted to marry and have children of his own to try and give them the life that he was denied, the father he never had, and the family he wished for all his life. He even had this crazy dream of being King on day...and we used to laugh about it.
Now, I think about what a good king he would have made, a hero to his people, his big heart, kindness, loyalty to his friends and the “little man,” his fighting spirit and corny jokes...and I’m not laughing anymore.
Ashbury lost a great man on January 2, 599, but his memory will always live on in my heart, as well as the hearts of all those who have that same fighting spirit that he possessed. I am honored to call him my friend...I hope all of you feel the same.
Luigie Marcangello
At the gathering in Nordenn, I was asked why I wanted to become a squire. My words failed me, and for the most part they still do; it is largely an ineffable matter. I have been thinking long and hard on how to express a desire that came from the inmost part of me, a part of me that feels but does not speak. This is a part of me where language has no meaning, a part of me that is emotive rather than rational.
Nevertheless, I present what insight i can for I aspire to be a noble and every Ashban has a right to know why.
The aspiration was inspired by two men who seem larger than life; Duke Aramis and Baron Agnar. It occurs to me that the effect these two men have on Ashbury can not be described with words. What could be said when the Duke returned to battle the treasonous Requin?
What could be said when Baron Agnar charged a wraithlord through a flurry of death spells and sent the fould beast to his final rest? Something unspeakable in the hearts of these two men inspires me to be better than I am. As D. Gadlen Chimeran wrote of the Duke and the defeat of Requin: “There was not a spirit there that was not strenghtened by his gallantry...We were so filled with our purpose that they stood no chance of victory.”
The best I can do is to say that I became a squire to achieve the gallantry that inspires people in unspeakable ways, to be like Duke Aramis, Baron Agnar, and the other noble heroes of Ashbury. The effect that these men have had on me is ineffable, but the result is what made me want to become a squire.
Squire Sparktet Bone Littlebeard
News From Around The Duchy
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DUCHY
Amaranth: Lizardmen have been seen coming out of the swamp by some of the trappers and hunters in the area. As it is still winter and very cold, this is seen as very unusual.
Jared: Vlad, the gypsy who calls himself “King,” hosted a major waymeet in this town for New Year’s, which is a major holiday in gypsy culture. After the event, even more gypsy tribes have decided to join with this mysterious newcomer and call him King.
Kiri-Ashton: A permanently dead mystic wood elf was found nailed to a tree on the edge of the forest. Her horns had been ripped from her skull.
R’Kura: Army scouts report that a large keep nears completion in this estate by the Kanoredhil. It also seems that they are beginning to build a large wall around the estate.
South Point: The arrival of a ship full of sarr arriving in town to buy supplies has caught the attention of the locals, but so far the sarr have been silent about their origin or purpose.
Obituaries
Gilwing: Master Smith Gilwing was slain on Saturday, January 2 of 599 in a raid on an enemy encampment helping the forces of Nordenn. After a grueling battle against a large force of undead, Gilwing, a dwarf, was slain battling the leader of the undead forces while trying to defend a fellow teammate who was bleeding out. He died at the young age of 88.
Shya Corak: Shya Kari Natavani Corak was born in Barrowdown in 470 ER to Le’asa and Lorn Varda. On September 5, 540 ER she married to Danith Merdick. She had a daughter named Neuaori. She came to Ashbury City in 598 to learn more about the Arch, and died heroically on January 2 trying to save the fallen in the battle against the undead at Shadowkeep.
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
Not much room for the gossip this issue so let’s get started!
A young sarr orphan girl named Zameen has been adopted by Baron Jonathan. She appeared at Shadowkeep and was heroically protected by an elf named J’Han who promised to keep her safe. During the huge and deadly battle against the undead, he was running around trying to find her fallen body to save her, unaware that she was cold and was merely sitting safely in the tavern. Oops!
That weekend, when asked “What does ‘Squire’ mean?” Squire Sparky replied “It means I’m not allowed to murder anyone.” Wow, that’s easy!
The death of Shya has saddened many, including her relative Elder Xapano. People are saying “I wish I had thanked her for all the times she healed me up.’ Let this be a lesson to all of you: thank your healers who are the backbone of any battle (Natasha did not tell me to say that)!
Natasha ordered Zatarina into battle against some undead at one point, saying that healers were needed, and Zat refused, saying “You are no noble!” She, Rockboy, and others instead stayed back to protect some adventurers who were paralyzed, including Sir Jaret who later thanked them all for doing so.
Gilwing’s friends are hoping that he may be given a posthumous pardon for the murder charge in recognition of his bravery against the Geist. We shall see!
Sir Zachary recently received a dozen roses and they weren’t from Brighthawk. Is there trouble brewing? Did he decide that leading a suicide attack was better than facing Brighthawk? We may never know.
The Court of Ash Forest and the Court of Nordenn seemed to have made up! They all worked mighty well together in the battle at Shadowkeep. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed.
That’s all for this issue, and until next time, remember: If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
ASHBURY MAGES GUILD looking to buy Celestial Ritual scrolls and items. Please see the Guildmistress.
REWARD FOR INFORMATION. Help put criminals where they belong. All sources kept confidential. See Sheriff Larson Kirkby or Lord Magistrate Eros Clearbrook. As nobles, we are honor bound to keep our words, and we swear to never reveal any information as to our sources if you request to remain anonymous. Reward relative to worth of information.
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! All able bodied young men and women who seek fortune and adventure should come to Greystone in the Barony of Blythedale and enlist in the Blythedale Military! Help us reclaim the lost Barony of Trellheim and drive back the invaders!
JUSTIN: I’ll be in the Ash Forest, find me – Calis
TO THOSE PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED: Do not forget drill on Saturday of the next gathering. I will inform you as to what time we shall meet on the previous eve. I expect you prepared and ready to learn (and unintoxicated, Perwin). Remember, this is for your own good, and the good of the Duchy. —Squire Talin Gildenlily of the Barony of the Ash Forest Magic Item
TROUBADOUR: I need you. – Azura
SEEKING Will o’Wisp Essence immediately. Thirty gold cash in your pocket if you have one you wish to sell. Please contact Guildmistress Natasha of the Healers Guild with any offers.
SCROLLS AND COMPONENTS wanted for control spirit store, spirit store, create golem (especially good golems, but straw golems are O.K. too), heal golem, extend, permanence, and other good stuff. – Squire Sparktet Bone Littlebeard
THE HEALERS GUILD is seeking the primary component for the Rituals Spirit Farewell and Destroy Magic. Destroy Magic and Mark Ritual Scrolls also desired.
LOOKING FOR RITUAL SCROLL transform to Biata. Please contact Baron Jonathan.
MY POLEARM known as Vengeance is on the selling block. Make me an offer. – Squire Derek of the Ash Forest
HEY SUE! Why don’t you stop using the Ash Forest as your own personal dart board, and come to my face and say such things about the court, then we can Skorree. – Calis
MAKE GOLD IN YOUR SPARE TIME! No investment required! Franchises available too! Call Cullion!
I AM WRITING A BOOK entitled “Who’s Who in Ashbury.” If you would like to be a part of this please fill out this form. You may send it to the Bardic College addressed to Professor Bernadette Snippet. Thank you.: Name; Where do you live now; Place of Birth; Marital Status; Are you associated with a Barony/Team; If so which; Why did you become a noble/squire/merchant/adventurer/farmer; Something you’ve achieved or are proud of; Something you’d like to accomplish; Anything else you’d like people to know about yourself
REWARD: 100 GOLD CROWNS for the capture of the hobling bandit known as Luvo Piper. Let us return law and order to the Duchy. – Sponsored by the Ashbury Merchants Conglomerate
MEMBERS OF THE ASH FOREST: I am saddened by your loss. – R
WANTED: Ritual Scrolls for any of the following rituals: Audible Projection, Audible Projection Improved, Permanence, and Regenerate. Also interested in Eyeball of a Drake, Assassin’s Dagger, and almost any Uncommon, Rare, and Special ritual components. See the Court of Nordenn.
JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). AElves of Ashbury, band together to rid society of the menace of the savage Wild Elves! Ward the Wold! Join the society of freethinking, civilized beings who will work to effect a better culture, unfettered by adulteration and horrid admixture. Send your names, requests for membership cards, contributions and letters of support to: Teril Belayson, President and Treasurer, Belayson’s Honey Farm, Elindil, Ash Forest.
THE SAGES GUILD has new books for you! Stop by!
AZURA: Hope all is well, can’t wait to see you again! And let that little Gage know that next time I’m in town, I will be more than happy to take him...hunting! – ‘Gea
ALTHOUGH I HAVE LOST MY PARTNER, “Gilwings Sack of Stuff” will still be open for business. I have taken over all operations, so anyone who needs anything or had a arrangement worked out with Gilwing on business matters, please see me. Special orders will still be taken as usual and its a first come, first serve basis. We still have many Gilwing crafted weapons and armor for sale, as well as anything else you might need. We are still located in the Ash Forest Manor House, or please see me for anything you might need. We got it all! Scrolls, Alchemy, Potions, Weapons, Armor, Elixirs, and even a few “Special” items such as Ritual Scrolls and Components. We also buy Ritual Scrolls and Components for a more than a fair price.