Gargoyles and Gorgons
A small outpost in the Plains of Rage called Zumanta’s Refuge
recently found out in whose owner the area was named. Evidently a powerful
“gorgon” (a humanoid with snakes for hair and innately paralyzing abilities)
settled deep beneath this area long ago. She and her people were recently
disturbed by well digging. She then decided that the little town needed to
learn a lesson.
Normally our fine periodical does not concern itself with the
goings on in a faraway and practically lawless place such as this, but on this
occasion many adventurers from Ashbury and abroad were present to attend an
auction hosted by one Kazz’d Karr.
The trouble initially began when local workers were digging a
well close to town. From out of nowhere, winged creatures attacked them and
chased them away. A local community leader known as Tobias hired some
adventurers to get rid of the flying pests, which seemed to be gargoyles. Those
hired included Paulo, Gareth, Aara and Jin Mei of Caldaria; Joshua the Mystic
Wood Elf and Squire Gabriel of Nordenn. They seemed to successfully dispatch
the gargoyle and also found a tunnel leading down into the ground. At the end
of the tunnel was a door with a large keyhole. They could find no way to open
it.
Later that evening a large force of gargoyles and gorgons
attacked the main area of Zumanta’s Refuge after killing several people in the
outlying regions. They made no attempts to parlay but simply attacked. It was
noted at this time that the gargoyles seemed not to be mindless constructs, but
living beings that possessed intelligence. The gorgons, however, were obviously
controlling them.
The next morning a lone gorgon entered town, identifying
herself as Tantilla, second in command behind Zumanta. She spoke of how Zumanta
was an evil and cruel ruler, who had enslaved the gargoyles long ago and used
them as guards and soldiers. Zumanta did this through an item of great
importance to the gargoyles, The Wings of Stone, which took the form of a stone
statue of a gargoyle. Tantilla beseeched the adventurers to help recover this
statue and give it to her later that night when Zumanta planned an attack. With
the statue, Tantiilla could free the gargoyles and defeat Zumanta, or so she
said. Jin Mei, Gabriel, Gilwing, Red Cloud, Gaara and Drakonis agreed to
retrieve the statue.
The mission must have gone successfully, as later that night
when Zumanta stalked into town with her minions, Tantilla was given the statue.
With the statue secured, the other gorgons and the gargoyles turned upon
Zumanta and after dispatching her, left the area peacefully.
Later that night, Zumanta returned with gorgons still loyal
to her to seek her revenge. Many fled to their wards and a furious Zumanta
patrolled the town looking for any stragglers she could crush. Kazz’d Karr
attempted a parlay, asking what she wanted. Zumanta was heard to answer “I want
you all dead. After you all ressurect, I will consider negotiating with you.”
Sometime during Zumanta’s rain of destruction, the high orc Air
Raaksa was killed by revenants who appeared within his ward. Details on this
are sketchy however. Zumanta was eventually defeated with the help of local
leaders Kazz’d Karr and Tobias, greatly due to their being spirit stored in
golems.
The next day the gargoyle leader, known only as Slate, came
to town to ask the adventurers help in retrieving the Wings of Stone for her
people. It seems Tantilla was using it to attempt to gain control of the
gargoyles. Slate said that Zumanta was able to command the gargoyles obedience
because she knew how to destroy the statue, something that would be a great
bane to the gargoyles. Tantilla was attempting to learn this secret from
Zumanta’s notes and Slate hoped to retrieve the statue and stop Tantilla before
she could learn the secret. Many of the adventurers had already left after
other incidents in the early afternoon, but those that remained agreed to help
Slate and free her people from slavery.
Slate led those that promised to help her through a series of
tunnels and great stone doors, each guarded by numerous gorgons and gargoyles
too afraid to disobey Tantilla. Eventually they fought their way through and
came to Tantilla’s stronghold, where after a long and grueling battle she was
defeated. The statue however, was not recovered. Slate seemed very upset and
was seen questioning members of the Black Forest as to the statue’s
whereabouts. They denied any knowledge and everyone there claimed the statue
was not found. Slate flew off, seemingly very angry and perhaps a little scared
for her people.
ZR “Bosses” Get
Aid from Ashbans
The Town of Zumanta’s Refuge is a small walled city in the
violent Planes of Rage. Violence and back alley murders are quite commonplace,
the weak do not survive long. Yet “The ZR”, as it is known to the locals, has a
kind of order. The town is run by three organizations that help keep the peace. These groups are: The Liche’s Horde
Trading Company, run by Kazz’d Karr; The Hilltowns, run by Penelope Hilltown
and who owns most of the local taverns; and The Fell, run by a Bugbear known as
Tobias the Rack. The Fell controls the water supply for The ZR.
Each of these groups work together, mostly out of necessity, and make the laws of the
lands. Yet sometimes the laws seemed to bend around certain members of the
Organizations, as was seen by the Ashbans that traveled there for Kazz’d Karr’s
auction. When Reed Hilltown (a captain of the Hilltowns who also happens to be
Penelope Hilltown’s brother) was seen casting necromancy, which is against the
laws of The ZR, he was simply given a fine. However, when a town member was killed, Kazz’d and Tobias would travel
into town and insist that the murderer take a death for the killing.
There were other problems as well. It all began late the eve
before Kazz’d Karr’s Auction. Sturgis Hilltown approached some adventurers to
deliver a letter to Orag, a High-Ogre who worked for The Liche’s Horde.
Ketsugi, Koshi, Noldrik, Cuar, Aria, and Rongo all took up the task, but only
Ketsugi and Koshi were allowed to speak with Orag. They returned to Sturgis
with the ogre’s response of “Sunday, at noon.” Thinking something was amiss,
early the next morning Noldrik approached the High-Ogre Baffle, one of Kazz’d’s
captains. Noldirk inquired about any other ogres working for the LHTC. When
Baffle confirmed that Orag was indeed working for Kazz’d Karr, Noldrik took the
captain aside and told him about the message delivered to Orag and his thought
that Orag may be working for someone else. Baffle took this information directly to Kazz’d Karr and
asked Noldrik and his companions to keep their eyes and ears open for more
information.
There had been a leak in the LHTC for a while; couriers were
not arriving with their deliveries, and a rare ritual component had been
stolen. And of course, loss of deliveries means a loss of money. Kazz’d was
most interested in stopping this leak especially with an important delivery due
in the next few days. Kazz’d had narrowed the leak down to three of his
workers: Orag and two Dark Elves, Loxora and Tuwatha.
The next afternoon, Ket, Koshi, Noldrik and members of
Crimson Star once again were approached by Sturgis for help making sure that
Ophelia Hilltown’s grave was not disturbed. While walking, the adventurers pressed Sturgis for more
information about the letter. Sturgis simply told them that his sister Penelope
Hilltown, a Boss of The ZR, had told him to write the letter that was
delivered. Penelope denied this when confronted and slew Sturgis for trying to
implicate her. That evening right before the feast, the three Bosses met
together with their capitans to settle this matter once and for all. After much
talk, accusing, denials, and eventual confessions; the truth was laid out.
Orag was indeed leaking information about deliveries to gain
some quick gold. However he was
leaking the information to Antionio Flint, a dwarven captain of the Fell. Sturgis
had discovered them making deals together and started blackmailing both of them
for a cut of the action. The letter that had been delivered by the Ashbans was
indeed Sturgis wanting to know when the next delivery was coming into The ZR.
Antonio was planning on intercepting the courier and making off with the
delivery, eventually selling it and paying Sturgis his blackmail coin. Thanks
to the Ashbans help this never happened.
Tobias swore to Kazz’d that he had no involvement or
knowledge of Antonio’s doings; and to make things right, killed Antonio in the
tavern. Antonio did not resurrect in the local earth circle and has not been
seen since. Orag was taken outside the tavern by Kazz’d, talked to, and then
executed as well. Orag did resurrect and is “working” to gain his honor back
with the Liche’s Horde.
ZR Killings Cause Problems
with Ashbans
While in the lands of the “ZR”, the Ashban adventurers had to
deal with issues of international proportions: What duties do they have to obey
the laws of the land, especially if there is no treaty with Ashbury? How can
they “fight evil without cessation” if they have to follow laws they feel are
unjust? And what risks should they take, since they represent the duchy to
others?
These issues and others came to a head when, during a battle
against the Freejyn Horde, a local captain of the Hilltown family named Reed
was seen casting necromancy at one of the Horde. He was immediately attacked by
the Ashbans; first by Rex and then by Air Raksa.
The adventurers of Ashbury then bound him and discussed what
to do with him. Reed defended himself, saying he was only trying to help the
Ashbans fight against the terrible Freejyn Horde. When the Ashbans pointed out
that necromancy was against the law, Reed replied “I am the law here! You do
not get to decide what the law is, nor do you get to dispense justice!” He was
freed by his sister Penelope Hilltown as the adventurers looked on, angry yet
uncertain as to how to react.
Before the auction, Kazz’d Karr warned the Ashbans that it
was improper for them to attempt to dispense justice in another lands and that
any Ashban who did would face justice. He reminded them that they were guests
in the ZR and if they didn’t like the rules, they could leave.
This lecture was not appreciated by the Ashbans who felt that
unjust laws should be fought. Later that night, Air Raksa, with support of the
gathered Ashbans, attacked Reed in the tavern and killed him, and then chased
Penelope behind her Ward in the kitchen, cursing that she got away.
Reed resurrected outside of town and reported this to the
other two bosses who came to town and demanded that the high orc turn himself
in, which he did not. However, when undead attacked, Air Raksa ran to the
tavern and was killed by them and was dragged into Kazz’d’s Circle of Power,
where the dark elf stood over him until he resurrected, saying that he would
accept this death as the penalty for the murder of the necromancer.
This, of course, only angered the Ashbans more, and the next
day, after harsh words were exchanged between some of the Kin and members of
the Fell, Sparticous and Garra attacked and killed some of the Fell’s
members. Kazz’d and Tobias returned
to town and demanded that they surrender, but Sparticous had already left town.
Instead, Garra and Maxx were brought forward and sentenced to death for the
killings.
Should the Ashbans have fought at that point? Was it right to
allow this to happen, or was it not the Ashban’s place to tell another land how
to run its own laws?
The debate continues, as seen by the following exchanges
posted in the dream world over this issue (edited for space):
Maxx hear that his new friends at least stand up for good and
try to make fight against evil people who would push you and threaten you into
letting them be evil. Maxx also hear all others of you just standing and
watching, like always, standing and talking but no doing anything. Maxx and
friends not mighty as you all, yet you all cowards and let bad people push you
round. Least we fight for what right. Me resurrect, but I still sleepin at
night knowing I not coward and I am good person for fighting against ones you
all say you know evil, but you doing nothing stop them killing Runt or Garra
orc warrior.
Sad at hearing twilight ones who teach the crash to always be
good people stood and do nothing to fight them. Angry that little quiet one
wear same hood as feathered whitebelt, cause he stand there and do nothing
after whitebelt sayin he good. Being good means you good everywere every time.
Doesn’t mean standin there and letting necromancers kill good people just cause
you say it they rules. Thought good people fight bad people so that bad rules
not able to hurt good people.
Maxx
Scavenger Maxx:
For your punishment I am sorry I did not step in. Your death was in my
eyes truly undeserved and I am quite ashamed of my actions. You can ask my
Leige Duke Sir Frost or Squire Gabriel whom I have already reported my failing
in those lands. However there is a tenet in the code of chivalry: “Thou shalt
perform thy noble duties scrupulously be they not contrary to the laws of the
land.”
I did not shed a tear when the necromancer was killed by
Raksa. I cared not that uncivilized monsters died; however, I must respect that
there are laws of that land and that by those laws people who should have been
punished were. It is not my place to change the laws of a land that does not
want them to change. Necromancy was punished, murder was punished. Simply
because we do not like the punishment, or do not like who those laws protect
does not give me the right to break them or enforce them to my liking. There is
word for that: Tyranny.
To all: If you did not like the laws of that land, nothing
was there to keep you after the auction. Nothing was keeping me as well except
curiousity and when that was filled I left. none of that lands native citizenry
had any problems with the way things ran. I asked Kazz’d Karr myself why things
were and his simple answer was that it was the way it is and it works for them.
None of them wanted us there or our rules and as Kazz’d said he does not throw
refuse in our bed (Which is a defining point of why wars are waged). War should
never be waged to impose our rule, it should be waged to help those who ask us
for our help.
Sir Jonothan
Sir Jonothan,
I mean no disrespect toward you, nor any other noble of
Ashbury or Icenia. Please do not throw the Code of Chivalry at us in such a way
as you have.
You have stated one tenet of the Code of Chivalry.
I am not stating that the Kin is weak, but I had followed the
first tenet of the Code of Chivalry. I respected the Kin and proclaimed myself
their protector after Tobias paid numerous adventurers that we have all
traveled with at some point to inforce their way of Justice. I also followed
the sixth tenet of the Code, “Thou shalt never lie and thou shalt remain
faithful to thy word.” I gave my word to the Kin that I would protect them
against further injustice should it come their way by Tobias’ hands or the
hands of the other bosses. I up until a point followed the fifth tenet as well:
“Thou shalt scrupulously preform thy noble duties be they not contrary to the
laws of the land.” I followed this tenet until Tobias finally sent his own goons
after the Kin.
There is where I followed (and believe I am correct in doing
so) the last tenet of the Code of Chivalry, “Thou shalt be everywhere and
always the champion of the right and the good against injustice and evil.”
Did you not see what Tobias was doing to the Kin as being
wrong and injustice? The Kin were constantly having Tobias’ form of justice
brought upon them for one action they preformed. Tobias stated to me that
punishment for a crime is brought upon the person once for the crime they had
committed.
The Kin, myself and Garra did not break a law of their lands
until Maxx, Garra and I dispatched Tobias’ goons Sunday morning. This was after
I decleared to Tobias publicly that I would protect the Kin from any further
injustice he or the other bosses would bring upon them. At that point I was
following the fourth and third tenets of the Code of Chivalry, “Thou shalt make
war against evil without cessation” and “Thou shalt not recoil before thine
enemy.”
Injustice is an evil. You can not (in a way) hide behind one
tenet of the Code of Chivalry while other tenets of the Code are (in a way)
smacking you in the face. I may be wrong in this assumption, for I may not see
the Code of Chivalry and its tenets in the same fashion as you do. “Thou shalt
be everywhere and always the champion of the right and the good against
injustice and evil” in my eyes would allow you to scrupulously perform your
noble duties be they contrary to the law of the land, should you find the laws
of the land to be an injustice and evil toward you or the people you placed
under your protection.
Sparticous
Warlord of the Order of the Black Unicorn
I always welcome a debate with you, Sparticous.
There a few things which I must point out in your argument.
Deciding to name the Kin under your protection is well and good and I’ve come
to expect that from you. Striking Tobias when one does not know the laws of the
land yet can be forgiven. While we were warned about strange laws, some more
clarity was definitely needed as to who were the citizens it protects.
The attack on the necromancer after he was punished according
to the laws of the land. Even though we did not like the punishment, it was
given by the rightful enforcers of the law. As an example, let’s look at the
case of Gilwing. According to the laws of both lands, he committed what would
be (in Ashbury terms, mind you) Conspiracy to Commit Necromancy. We did not
like the punishment given, but it was given. We enacted several political
policies against Arandin who was seeking treaty with Icenia (We halted all
talks until several laws were reconsidered). We however did not say their brand
of law was not enough and take matters into our own hands to the level we would
have performed them.
On the attack upon the creatures Sunday morning: If I
remember from the testimony Maxx gave,
the creatures came forth and began verbally berating the Kin. No weapons
were drawn until you attacked first. Words are not enough to entreat violence.
Self defense is always reasonable but words cannot inflict harm to you
physically.
Basically what I am saying is that you should have let them
attack first and then you had the right to attack them back. Also taking this
attack to the extent you did, letting them bleed out, was also wrong. Yes, you
can argue that Tobias would have given them light sentences and it would have
been a mockery of justice but there were two other members of their council
they could have been brought, too. I and Kazz’d Karr had some discussion on the
situations of the town and its politics. It is my belief he would have stepped
in and rectified the situation. Yet again it would have been a question as to
what extent the punishment would have been.
While we try to observe all the Codes of Chivalry in all
elements there are some that prove to be the elements which temper the rest. It
keeps us from being extremists.The one Code which should have guided us in our
use and interpretation of the events was the one I spoke of before. I do not
detract from the others and I clearly did not live up to one when Maxx was
sentenced to a death, as I should have stepped in and defended Maxx’s actions
and demanded a lighter sentence for him. I can only hope I have learned my
lesson from this and I will be a better noble for it.
Stepping in and enforcing our standards might sound good to
us but to others it would be self righteous crusading and, yes, tyrranical. If
done to extremes it can create as much an evil as it can good. It can create a
world where no diversity is allowed because everyone would fear they do not
live up to the other person’s interpretation and thus be punished. Nations
would wonder if they disagreed with us just a little would our armies come
marching through, a rule of tyranny despite the fact we represent a force for
good.
We must allow others to live their lives and have their laws
even though we do not feel they are adequate. If we do travel to those lands,
it is our duty to respect their wishes even though we would like something we
can understand better.
Sir Jonothan
Maxx, Klaus, Rex and Squeak:
I am ashamed that I allowed myself to be run out of that town. I am ashamed that I left and
did not stand by your side. I am ashamed that my brother was killed. I am a
coward. Everything you’ve said is true.
Please forgive me for abandoning you in your time of need.
Air Raksa
Fey Visit Zumata’s
Refuge
As the adventurers of Ashbury came to attend the Liche’s
Horde auction, there was a significant Fey presence in Zumanta’s Refuge. Most
notable was the enigmatic Prince Sylva, who was first seen consorting with the
mortals while dining at Ophelia’s Rest. He was said to have made bargains with
several adventurers who wished to have their Fey hexes lifted. Among them was
the well-known Lempur, Daedric, who had been hexed by none other than Sylva,
himself.
Sylva also brought news regarding his research of Glantri’s
curse upon the people of Lempur, and how to remove it. He gathered with a small
group of Ashbans to review his findings. Although the developments were not
publicly disclosed, they appeared to cause a sudden outbreak of people
willingly receiving marks from Fey who happened to be visiting the mortal
realm. First, Lyle of Black Forest took a mark from Sylva. Then, Hannah
bestowed her mark upon Lira of the Black Unicorns. Finally, the Fey known as
the Hag gave her mark to Redcloud of Black Forest. All of the marks came with some mysterious side effects.
Lord Faust also made his presence felt by contributing a gift
to Kazz’d Karr, which was auctioned away to the highest bidder. The lucky
adventurers were whisked away to the Fey realm for what was labeled a “pleasure
trip.” No one is certain as to
what transpired there, but there were no reported marks on anyone when they
returned.
Baron Morgassander
Missing
His most excellent feyness, Baron Morgassander of Nordenn,
has not been seen for several weeks. His whereabouts are unknown and many are
worried that the worst has befallen him. Duke Frost has assigned crack teams of
his best rangers and other specialists to search for the baron. Rumor has it he
has even sent some of his most experienced scouts into the fey realms.
Magic Changes
Astound Wizarding Community
Over
the last month, startling changes in the magic of Fortannis have amazed
observers.
Dispel & Purify
On the 20th of February, letters appeared in all Permanent
Greater Earth and Celestial Circles across the land simultaneously. They were
presumed to be from the famed Elven Dragon Mage Zalinarik. The letters
coincided with a sudden shift in the way the spells Purify and Dispel
Magic functioned. The text follows:
Studiers and practitioners of the Arcane arts of Celestial
and Earth Magics:
I began an experiment to give the spell Dispel Magic
some of the inherent undead harming abilities of the spell Purify. My
logic was that Dispel could be used to dispel some of the chaos magic
inside of an undead creature similar to the way that Purify removes much
of the chaos taint – weakening the creature; and thus provide Healer’s with yet
another tool against the undead as well as giving Celestial Mages the ability
to combat undead.
The experiment did not go precisely according to plan,
however. I successfully combined Purify and Dispel Magic,
but the spell may only be cast by those wielding Earth magic – and,
unfortunately, rather than having both a Purify spell at the Fifth
Circle and the Eighth, it utterly changed the way that Dispel Magic is
cast by earth casters. It combined them in such a way that for all intents and
purposes Purify is now an Eighth Circle spell that combines with some
elements of the Dispel Magic spell in that it removes all harmful
effects on the body, no matter the method of delivery. However, this new Purify
spell does not counter Celestial magic spells such as Wall of Force, Wizard
Lock, or Prison.
The Celestial spell Dispel Magic, now split from the
powers of magic that govern Earth Magic, has changed slightly as well. It will
remove any battle magic enchantment excepting wards and circles, and it also now
targets effects rather than delivery – so it will remove alchemical and other
effects regardless of how they affected the target.
Some magic items with Earth enchanted Dispel Magic
will change as well – but there seems to be no reason to how they change. Some change aspects and become
Celestial Dispel Magic items, some maintain Earth aspect – but change to
Purify.
Overall, I am pleased with the results, as Purify is
now a much more effective spell. But am disheartened that I was unable to give
Celestial casters a weapon to use against the undead and in the same moment
Earth casters lost the ability to remove Prisons and the like. My apologizes to those who are unhappy
with the changes, and to the Mage’s and Healer’s Guilds which must now adjust
some of the way that they teach these spells.
-Z
Cure Disease & Restore
Pedratos was once called Yech the Sickness King – a creature that
plagued all of Fortanis once a year with his mummified legions of foul
creatures until the adventurers of Ashbury helped to lift his horrible curse.
he now claims that he was once upon a time a renown healer.
Somewhere in a land far away, in a time forgotten, tales of
his healing prowess were heard far and wide in his homeland, a great elven
woodland. Pedratos claims to be a
part of a tribe called the Leafspeakers – but no one has ever heard of
them. He was married to a beautiful elven princess named Sholaria and had
given her a bracelet of beauty traded from a far away desert
land. Sholaria took ill one year, and no matter his healing powers, she
died of a horrible plague and suffered her final death.
Distraught, Pedratos vowed that he would make war against
disease for all time. He wore his love’s bracelet as a reminder. After
centuries of research he discovered a vast pyramid where the powers of sickness
could be concentrated and then fought. He crossed the desert alone and
reached the pyramid, barely alive. Drained from the heat, dehydration, and
exhaustion, he rested that eve and had a horrible vision. He saw in his vision
the inside of the pyramid and the king of all sickness – and he saw himself
doing battle with it. The fight lasted an eternity in his mind, and when
he had crushed the king with his most powerful magics he dropped to his knees
and heaved a sigh of relief – only to suck up the diseased air! He looked at
the ground and a skeletal arm reached up and clutched at his throat, around that
arm was a golden bracelet.
He awoke at dawn, shaken badly, but determined to go on and
fight. He entered the pyramid and summoned forth the energies to combat
sickness – which were absorbed into him. His spirit was then whisked away to
the Abyssmal gorge where he would sit in a lonely tomb shrouded in sickness
forever. The very first undead with the ability to speak that came up to
Pedratos asked him his name and pledged to server the king of sickness for all
time. Pedratos, though he had no memory of who he was, was so disgusted
he could only reply “Yech” and thus the King of Sickness named.
Mortal again, Pedratos has vowed to renew his war against
sickness – the first step on this journey was to show Sir Eros how to cast the Cure
Disease spell at the First Circle of Earth magic. Apparently, Sir Eros had
been questioning him regarding his time spent as the King of Halloween – and
their discussion went to the nature of Earth Magic. Pedratos demonstrated a
simple way to shave off some of the formula, making the spell much easier to
cast. After some discussion, it
was found that Pedratos also knew a shortcut for Restore Limb (which he,
by the way, calls simply “Restore.”) This discovery was immediately brought to
the Royal Guildmaster of the Healer’s Guild. Earth casters everywhere can remedy counter Necromantic
effects a bit easier, with the help of the former King of Sickness.
As a footnote, all the former Kings (and Queens) have been
cleared of all charges of Necromancy as it was determined that none of them
were operating under their own control.
Turn Undead
All across the lands of Icenia, Ogres have been seen to be
moving. Some singly, some in small bands, and some large forces. They were
following visions that they had received regarding the earth.
Ogre Shaman Kran’ak Torg stated that they gathered for the
sake of their entire race.
“We went to the great Plains of Rage – where people without
number had died and there is chaos everywhere. We all joined together and
entered the world of visions, there to meet with a great dragon of the Earth!
It said to us ‘It is time for you to rise up and battle against the forces of
Chaos – and I have gifts to help you do this.’ The creature then tore at our
hides, and ripped off our flesh finding the hardest part underneath, in our
spirits. It then breathed the Warmth of Fortanis upon our raw flesh and showed
us that we were one with the Earth – and need not fear the powers of Chaos. Our
skins were softer but we knew that chaos could not harm us now. It took some of
our shamans and with its great claws carved an ancient secret upon our bodies
to drive away even the most powerful undead.
“Then it opened a doorway, and showed us the way to the great
battle. Undead loathsome creatures were there by the thousands, and we fought
against them. We fought and fought, our spirits were injured, and some even
shattered, but we fought on. We destroyed thousands of them until we reached
the heart of a massive canyon carved in black stone. And there was a foul Wyrm
of Chaos poised to come crashing into our world with its legions of undeath.
Its very breath was Chaos, but we had learned to be stronger and to be unharmed
by chaos. We destroyed its army and drove it back with our new magic, back and
back into a cave in the canyon. It begged mercy, but we showed it none – for
how much mercy would it have shown our world if it was allowed to be free? We brought a mountain crashing down
upon the cave – there to seal the Wyrm up for all time.
“When we returned to this world, we found that our skins were
softer now but still we could resist the chaos. And now our Shamans go about
the land sharing the new magic – a more powerful Turn Undead spell.”
Ogre shaman have been seen wandering the land, ensuring that
all good people who can cast Earth Magic know about the new Turn Undead
spell that the Ogres have brought back.
Lesser Investment
It seems like Feburary was the month to be a spell researcher
as yet another change is reported – this time by the Royal Mage’s Guild.
Since the discovery of the Lesser Investiture spell,
scholars, sages and mages have been searching for a way to make the spell able
to be put on a scroll. Many have agreed that memorization of this spell was a
difficult choice as one could memorize a Ward, Prison, Circle of Power or even
a Magic Storm or Elemental Blast instead – finally there has been a
breakthrough.
A sect of the Mage’s Guild operating out of the estate
assigned to the guild has uncovered a way to put this sought after spell onto a
battle magic scroll. In their studies, they have also found an easier way to
cast it, and it is now castable at the Seventh circle of Celestial magic.
Duke Asks Adventurers to Assist in War Against Glenrake
His Grace has recently left Ashbury to travel to the lands of
Moorgrave to help our allies fight against the undead enemies of Glenrake,
leaving Baroness Glenduria to run Ashbury in his stead. Before leaving, he made
the following public announcement:
To the Good and Brave People of Ashbury and All Lands,
I beseech all people within our lands take heed. I beseech
all people throughout all lands, both friend and foe, take heed. Make ready and
become aware that the moment has arrived to bring the battle against the foul
and corrupt rulers of Glenrake to their very door. No longer shall we allow the
taint of necromancy and evil to exist upon the borders of our fair sister duchy
of Brittington. No longer shall the good and true people of Icenia, nay the
good and true people of all civilized lands, tolerate this blight upon the fair
face of Fortannis.
I call upon the good and true people of all lands to join
with me upon this righteous and inculpable endeavor. I call upon the examplary
commonage throughout the world to march beneath my banner into the cankerous
heart of depravity and there extinguish it. I call upon the virtuous community
to bring a glorious war to the wicked and corrupt. Together we shall bring a
war unreproachable in its cause and undeniable in its prowess, a war in which
there is naught but the justice and truth of our crusade.
The unselfish and exalted deeds yet unborn shall be passed on
in legendary tales to the future generations of all lands. Sages of all lands
shall fill the pages of their annals with the bravery, honor and passion of all
those that attended and served this cause. Our allies and all those of intrepid
and chivalric heart shall praise our deeds for years uncounted. Our enemies
shall quake in their dank strongholds, knowing they are merely biding their
time until they too must face our shining wrath.
Do not face answerless the day when your children shall ask
where you were when evil and tyranny was expunged from Glenrake. Face that day
with tales of your glorious exploits upon the fields of honorable battle. Face
that day with examples innumerable of what it means to be a true hero. Face that
day able to say that you stood with the Duke of Ashbury, vanquishing the
foulest of abominations so that the world might be free. Tell them you were
there when the dark citadels of Glenrake were toppled. Reveal to them a lesson
that no words may confer, only deeds most true.
Thou shalt be always and everywhere the champion of the right
and good against injustice and evil.
In Service to Icenia and All Good Peoples,
Duke Sir Frost Vardik
To follow up, the Ducal Seneschal released the following
missive:
To all those who shall heed Duke Frost’s call to arms,
Please arrive in the estate of Hewitt at the encampment of
the Ducal Army on or about the Eleventh Day of March, 605. Once you have
arrived, immediately report to the Ducal Army Headquarters that will be set up
in this area. There you will sign in and be assigned quarters and given papers.
Papers will be carried at all times and presented upon demand to any member of
the Ducal Army or the Baronial Army of Romwing. Failure to do so will lead to
possible imprisonment and at the very least detainment.
All outer Wards will be issued by the Ducal Army free of
charge. At least one officer of lieutenant rank or higher or a noble of Icenia
will be invested in each Ward, preferably more than one. Any interior Wards
desired will be reported to the Ducal Headquarters and will also have the above
mentioned people invested within. Any unauthorized Wards will be treated as
disobedience during wartime and violators will be dealt with accordingly.
All meals will be provided free of charge by the Ducal Army.
Water, juice and milk will also be provided free of charge. There will be a
charge for any other beverages such as ale, beer or wine.
All participants will become acting members of the Ducal Army
for the duration. They will be expected to obey the commands of those of higher
rank and to serve in an organized and disciplined manner. If you feel you
cannot comply with these conditions, please do not travel to Hewitt.
In Service,
Lieutenant Squire Trevor Donovan
Ducal Seneschal
A Guest Editorial
by Anonymous
While attending Kazz’d Karr’s auction, the entire adventuring
community was placed in a precarious predicament when Air Raksa of the Black
Unicorns took it upon himself to murder a local necromancer in an act of
vigilante justice. Local tavern
worker Reed Hilltown, of the Hilltown family, openly cast necromantic magic in
defense against the Freejyn Horde, which by the laws within the Plains of Rage
is an offense punishable by fine.
Witness recount how hours after the battle subsided Air Raksa stormed
into Ophelia’s Rest tavern, administered a killing blow to Read Hilltown, and
assaulted tavern owner Penelope Hilltown.
Later that night, local authority Kazz’d Karr confronted adventures
in Ophelia’s tavern after Reed Hilltown’s sprit materialized in his earth
circle. Kazz’d Karr was bewildered by the fact that even though two foreign
nobles were present (Squire Gabriel and Sir Jonathan) that an adventure who is
neither a magistrate nor noble in either land took it upon himself to act as
judge, jury and executioner. Pacing menacingly in the candle lit tavern, Kazz’d
Karr lectured perplexed adventures on basic foreign relations etiquette;
demanding that Air Raksa take responsibility for the crime of murder.
Taking responsibility was the last thing Air Raksa had in
mind. After learning Air Raksa’s hiding place, Kazz’d Karr accompanied by
Tobias made his way over to the temporary shelter of the Black Unicorns.
Diplomatically Air Raksa was asked to step outside his ward and receive
punishment for crimes committed. Kazz’d Karr was quoted as saying “You are not
being punished for taking down a necromancer, what you are being punished for
is not stabilizing him and bringing him to the local authorities.”
After numerous stall tactics on Air Raksa’s end, Kazz’d Karr
threatened to remove the Black Unicorn’s ward with a Destroy Magic
Ritual. Before Kazz’d Karr had the opportunity to make good on his treat,
revenants and gargoyle forces arrived in town. Fighting ensued and the gathered
crowd was forced into various wards. Kazz’d Karr and Tobias made it safely out
of the mayhem.
Although Air Raksa did resurrect that night, it was not at
the hands of local authorities. Mercifully Kazz’d Karr accepted Air Raksa’s
random death as payment for his crime and did not force the public execution
originally subscribed.
The tragedy of Air Raksa’s
actions most expressed was not his intention but his execution. The intentional
disrespect of foreign law is a despicable act, but even more reprehensible is
the act of murder. The laws within the Plains of Rage are simple, but not
archaic. They do recognize necromancy as a crime, as well as murder. Although
most foreigners would like to see higher penalties in place for both crimes,
the locals mentioned that the repercussions in place have indeed acted as a
deterrent.
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
Hello, drearies! In case you haven’t noticed, my gossip
columns have not been around as much lately and when they do show up, they are
very small. And do you know why that is? Well, I will tell you. It is because
you, my loyal reader, who loves to read the gossip about the Powers That Be in
town, are not sending me the gossip I need. I cannot be everywhere and see
everything, and I therefore rely on your assistance to make this column great!
Otherwise, I am forced to waste valuable inches saying nothing for a long time
just to fill space, as you can see by the preceding paragraph.
Well, let’s get started.
Way up north in Zumanta’s Refuge, it seems a statue might be
the key to freeing an enslaved people…well, these gargoyles are sort of people
anyway. Rumor has gotten back to me that members of the Black Forest including Gilwing,
Drakonis, Redcloud, Olivia and Lyle just might know
where this statue is. Will these people ever keep themselves out of the middle
of controversy? Maybe when
revenants shoot out of my butt…like they seem to shoot out of Air Raksa’s.
I hear both the Black Forest and Black Unicorns each think
they missed a golden opportunity to eliminate each other while out of the reach
of Asbury’s laws.
Due to the behavior of several Ashbans, including the
aforementioned Raaksa, his brother Gaara, Sparticous, and a rhino
scavenger named Maxx, that Kazz’d Karr’s Liche’s Horde will no
longer be holding auctions in Ashbury. That’s too bad, I needed some cursed
magic items to go with my collection of lethal bric-a-brac.
Taji of House Ryujima was seen bidding on some items in the
auction up in Zumanta’s Refuge. Strangely, he was alone. It’s not very often
any of House Ryujima is seen without Lord Find’rth and the rest of the
dark horde.
A number of people saw Squire Gabriel very obviously
disagreeing with Sir Jonothan’s decision not to initiate combat with the
“authorities” in Zumanta’s Refuge. Gabriel was very upset with the execution of
Ashbans as punishment for their assault on necromancers and trolls. Members of
Nordenn were also overheard saying they wish they could have Jonothan as baron
instead of Morgasander. With DuGaul absent, is the court of
Blythedale coming apart?
Efforts to explain the laws of Ashbury to the growing
community of scavengers have not worked well. Sir Eros tried once and
gave up, and Maxx and Rex took his comments about putting them in
chains as punishment for their crime as proof that the Mystic Wood elf is a
“slaver.” Then in ZR, it was just as difficult to explain the concept of laws
to them. How long before these animals become dangerous and lose their
citizenship?
Meanwhile, back in Ashbury, word has reached me that Baroness
Glenduria is planning a huge party for the newer adventurers of Ashbury.
It’s invitation only though, since there are certain people she obviously has
no interest in meeting. So if you want to go and meet the Court of the Ash
Forest, contact Squire Darlassia. I wonder if I can worm an invitation
out of her...
That’s all for this issue. Remember, if you can’t say something nice about someone,
come sit by me.
Public Notices
I
REGRET I will no longer be selling my wares or holding auctions in Ashbury. Perhaps
in a hundred years or so I may want to return – Kazz’d Karr
TO
THE ADVENTURING GROUP known as the Kin: I know my words may mean nothing to you
now, however I do apologize for an early departure on Sunday. I shall find a
way to truly apologize to you, perhaps in the form of a gift. Sparticous, Warlord of the Order of the
Black Unicorn
THE
SAGES GUILD can teach skills for a nominal fee. If you find yourself without a
spell book or recipe book, you may rent ours. We also sell potions, weapons,
armor, alchemy and wine when we have some available.
SCROLLS
AND CATALYSTS WANTED: The Order of the Black Unicorn is looking for the
following Ritual Scrolls: Race Change, Channel, Enchant, Expanded Enchant, Race
Reaver, Monster Slayer, Spell Store, Protection Aura, Copy Formal Ritual,
Preserve Duration, Permanent Duration, Regeneration, Elemental Blast, Elemental
Aura, Damage Aura, Earth Aura, Spirit Store and Controlled Spirit Store. We are
also looking for the Catalysts for Permanent Duration, Race Change, Controlled
Spirit Store, and Copy Formal Ritual as well as any reagents. We are willing to
buy or trade, please contact Sparticous, Paythin or Lira.
LOOKING
TO PURCHASE or trade for the following ritual scrolls: Spell Parry, Expanded
Enchantment, Cloak and Permaent Duration. Gold, Ritual Components, Ritual
Scrolls and Magic Items for trade. Contact Lord Find’rth of House Ryujima
ARE
YOU AWARE that there is now an Imladari knight on the Court of the Ash
Forest?JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). Prevent the Ash Forest from
being taken over by nonAmani! 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.
WE
KNOW WHO HAS THE WINGS OF FATE. We will come for you without mercy or
compassion. You cannot run and you cannot hide. Neither ward nor circle shall
keep you safe from our vengeance.
IN NEED OF A WEAPON OR ARMOR, but you haven’t the coin? Speak with Sparticous, Paythin or Lira of the “Order of the Black Unicorn”.