The Ashbury Times
January /
February / March 611
“All The News That Fits, We Print”
Halloween More Abysmal Than Ever
After his awakening one year ago, The Prince of the
Abysmal Gorge has grown in strength, and with the assistance of his Court, is
weakening the barrier between his world and ours. Once thought only to last a
fortnight at most, the denizens of the gorge seem now to be able to walk or
world for a month... perhaps more.
In early Fire Ant of 610 the ambassador from Imladar returned to Fairdale. When she arrived she claimed
she had planned to meet the newly named Baron Harrison, but after waiting for
some time he did not turn up – which is most unlike our noble baron. She
continued on to town without him, hoping to find him there. She left shortly
after, and this was the last time she was seen – before her piercing
screams could be heard just outside of town.
When the adventurers found her, she was kneeling on
the ground and appeared to have been attacked. But as they approached her voice
changed, and a circle of power appeared around her. When she looked upon them
they saw not the kind face of an Imladari, but the
skeletal visage of Aelin Mor – the same dark being that had once taken
over the body and spirit of another Imladari noble, Brennil Valnora several hundred
years ago. Aelin Mor taunted the adventurers before unleashing a horde
of undead and sinking into the ground, disappearing. It appears that while the
previous ritual cast upon Aelin Mor freed the spirit of the Brennil,
it did not vanquish the darkness as had been hoped.
Later in the evening, the town perked up its ears;
what began as a low rumble soon turned to thunder as war drums could be heard
approaching. Assembled on the field were a fierce looking band of undead orcs, lead by a large, heavily armored leader referred to
only as The General – another of the Prince’s courtiers. A torch
burning on the field emanated a magical effect that prevented the
assembled adventurers from advancing upon them, though the orcs
did not waste time in striking out against the town. More of these creatures
continued to spring from the ground and for a time it seemed they had the upper
hand, until the General rifted out, and the torch extinguished.
Whispers were soon heard that the prince was searching
for something; though the information on what he sought was heavily guarded. It
was soon discovered however that what he sought was literally under the
town’s nose the entire time. A porter from the Black Stag Inn came upstairs seeking help – the basement had become
overrun with huge spiders. Baron Rorii and Dame Daralassia quickly assembled a party to assist. On further
investigation it was discovered that a wall had broken, revealing an entrance
to the numerous caverns below.
Huge, thick spiderwebs
coated everything from floor to ceiling. A tall figure emerged flanked by
several large spiders. Below his hood they could see eight eyes. The being
identified himself as Lord Arachnos – another
of the Prince’s court. He set the spiders upon the group and then went
about the room, frantically searching for something.
The party dispatched his spiders and then went after Arachnos himself, who only managed to escape by recalling
out of his circle of power. But he left without the item the Prince sought
– a strangely glowing orb. Thinking quickly the group took it, and hid it
away.
Not long after this, The Prince himself appeared in
town, dragging along a battered and terrified looking Baron Harrison. It now
became clear why he had not appeared to meet the Imladari
Ambassador. With all of his courtiers in a circle of power, the Prince toyed
with
While the others were distracted Amaranthus
Landcharmer was able to get close to the edge of the
circle, and get the attention of the Baron. After a bit of intense
concentration he was able to break the spell holding Harrison, who wasted no
time attacking his captors. Horribly outnumbered within the circle however,
they defeated him easily. It was then that the Prince decided to display his
power to the town.
Using the power of the dragon, the Prince cast a
ritual and summoned the orb to him. It glowed brilliant red as he held it to
Discussions with the
Choices for Monarch
By Sir Ulthoc,
First Knight of Nordenn
A few gatherings ago in
Fairdale, the Mons Regalis was found, and called
upon. When this happened, the Speaker for the
To each person, the same
three questions were asked, in the same order. None of them were made
aware of each others’ replies.
1. What, in your opinion,
would be the reason you would NOT be suitable to be Monarch?
2. Who, in your opinion, is
the weakest choice of the group to be Monarch, and why?
3. What, in your opinion, is
the single greatest threat facing the Kingdom?
Below are their answers, in
the order the were approached.
Dame
Sonia:
1. While I was trained to be
an adviser in the court, I have a lack of confidence when it comes to making
the final decision on matters.
2. Sir Nevin.
His inexperience could lead him to make rash decisions, or wrong decisions.
3. The current internal
strife which is threatening the Kingdom.
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia of Evorra:
1. I have a
certain ... ruthlessness when things need to be done. I will do
what I see as best, regardless of consequence.
2. Dame Sonia. She is
inexperienced as a leader, and will take too long to make the important
decisions.
3. The Vacarann
Pirates.
Duke
Broomis Bouchard of Brittington:
1. My age. We I a
younger man, I would feel more confident taking the position. However ...
I have seen the strife this has placed on our kingdom, and I have no wish to
see it happen again within a decade or so.
2. Duke Frost Vardik. While I have nothing against him personally,
and think he is a fine Duke ... I am loathe to establish any precedent where a
slaver – no matter how reformed – may hold the highest authority in
our Kingdom.
3. The traitor.
Sir
Nevin Kendrick:
1. My youth and
inexperience. While I’d have my heart in the right place, I fear my
lack of experience could be used by our enemies.
2. Duke Frost Vardik.
His ability to inspire and lead is perfectly suited at the Ducal
level, but I feel that they would not be an asset if he were to become locked
away in the Royal court, far from the people he connects with so well.
3. The lack of commerce over
the past few years, and the mounting debt the Kingdom has acquired in many
wars.
Duke
Frost Vardik of Ashbury:
1. I feel the Kingdom is not
yet ready to accept an ... enhanced Biata ... on the throne. The Kingdom has always been
ruled by Humans, and the Biata race is still very
knew to this world.
2. Myself, for the reasons
previously stated.
3. The traitor.
Sir Ulthoc named First Knight of Nordenn;
Given the Estate of Port
In one of his first official acts, Baron Harrison named Sir Ulthoc his First Knight, and appointed him stewardship of
Port Frederick, and charged the First Knight with cleaning it up.
What follows is Sir Ulthoc’s
proclamation which was posted in Port Frederick:
To the
People of Port
My name is
Sir Ulthoc. This estate has now fallen to my
custody. As such, I feel it is important for us to know each other.
I am a
Knight. I am an Adventurer. I am a Vansir.
I am sure
you have heard unsavory rumors about each of these. I have heard unsavory
rumors about you. Rumors are unimportant to me. Actions are far
more important.
To the good
and gentle fellows of Port
To all
others, I will be most unwelcomed. The Baron of these lands, His
Excellency Harrison Ryatt, has been both Paladin and
High Sheriff of Dockside. He will brook no criminal activity, of any
nature. Neither will I. For all currently wanted persons within
Port
Port
Sarr
Children Missing
While the news thus far has been difficult to verify, it
seems that in various communities within the Duchy, a number of Sarr children have gone missing! So far, rescue
operations have been impossible, as no link between the missing children other
than race has been able to be determined.
It was first thought that perhaps this could be the
machinations of the Candyman’s evil alter ego,
Sugarcane... however it seems unlikely as only Sarr
children have been taken, and neither Candyman nor
Sugarcane are reported to have a unique affinity for the race.
Should anyone have further information, please report it to
the Ashbury Times with all speed.
Children of Camulous Sign Treaty With Evorra
The residents of the Isles of Camulous, in gratitude of the help they received from Duchess Jacelyn in retaking their homeland, have entered into a mutual defense agreement with the duchy of Evorra and by extension the Icenian Navy. In return for protection from Vaccarran pirates and Galanthian raiders the Children have granted the Duchess the right to build a shipyard on the Isles to manufacture and maintain ships belonging to both countries. Our friends at the Evorran Free Trader (Evorra’s own newspaper) provided us with the following interview with Sir James Logan, Admiral of the Icenian Navy:
EFT: How did this treaty come about?
Sir James: It was a natural extension of Her Grace’s
pledge to free and protect
the Isles of Camulous. After the liberation of the
Isles, the Children of Camulous had very few ships with which to defend themselves, and most of those were captured Vaccarran vessels that needed major modification in order to support a living crew.
Her Grace takes her oaths seriously and
a formal alliance give the Children of Camulous an
opportunity to build their own warships and not be wholly dependent on Icenia for protection
while granting Icenia a naval stronghold in the center of the Bay of Vaccarra,
an unrivaled strategic
location.
EFT: It has long been a concern of Her Grace’s that Icenia's biggest military weakness has been its Navy, how has the alliance
shifted that balance?
Sir James: Icenia and her allies
stand poised to be the greatest naval alliance on Tar Navaria. Between
our own vessels and those of Home and the Isles of Camulous we will no
longer need fear attack from the Vaccarrans and should
the need arise be able to meet even Galanthia on equal footing.
EFT: Now for the most sensitive question... The Children of Camulous signed the treaty specifically with the Duchy of Evorra, not with Icenia as a whole.
Why was that?
Sir James: The Children of Camulous
credit Her Grace with the liberation of their homeland, it was
she who led the charge that broke the Vaccarrans’ hold on the
islands. The Elders support her fully, but do not know the others who may get the crown except by
reputation. The Duke of
Ashbury in particular worries them as it is known that he once owned slaves. They have opted to hold back on signing an
alliance with the kingdom
as a whole until a new king or queen is crowned. I want to make clear that by these statements I do not condemn His
Grace of Ashbury, merely honestly
report our ally’s concern. I also do not wish to downplay the help given to us by Dame Sonia and the nobles
and adventurers of Ashbury.
Without their help in preparing for the assault it is not likely that we would have succeeded.
Galanthia
Expands
It has been reported that the Galanthian
empire has been building settlements and military outposts in the Plains of Rage and
is expanding their borders northward.
Large troop concentrations have been sighted
bare leagues from the borders of Trellhiem. At this
time it is not known if Empress Arienne is simply expanding due to natural population growth or if this is intended as the spearhead of
a military campaign.
A Treatise on Necromancy
To all my friends and fellow
adventurers,
Through the winter I have
traveled far and wide in an effort to stop the use
of Necromancy. I kept a journal to document my observations and
ideas, and publish it now in hopes that this insight against necromancy will
spread, and its use will be outlawed and eventually stopped. It is
my desire to continue to research the adverse effects of Necromancy on each
race, in order to report specifically why it must be stopped. This
article is devoted to the Sarr, often called Gorbe.
Here I, Child of Autumn Kialda Loa, will chronicle the development of my
philosophies as I spend the wintry months of 610-611 traveling south with the
noble Kuwo Muzti. This
is an elaboration upon the writings of Kuwo Muzti, and is devoted to defining the Evils of Necromancy
as it affects the Gorbe, according to their rules of
life, law, and the hunt.
Law
and Virtue:
If it is true that virtue is
the love of life and hope for the future, then it follows as true that it
is not virtuous to believe in the power of necromancy. Necromancy
disregards virtue. Necromancy defeats life, physically and
spiritually.
Necromancy drains life,
taints the cycle, and calls upon powers that fight against the love of
life. Necromancy does not hope for the future, it destroys the
future by permanently corrupting the flow of life and death.
The
Love of Life:
Life and Death are indeed
gifts in the harmonious cycle of earth. Death is still a gift
because it feeds the natural cycle. Necromancy is not a gift because
it interrupts and taints the cycle, marring forever the earth that it has
twisted.
Necromancy is not the love of
life.
Water
and Blood:
All life and death is
connected through water and blood. Every being is connected to
family by blood and heart. Each of us can be a daughter or son,
sister or brother, mother or father, and many other
relations. Necromancy breaks the chain of connectedness. Necromancy
mars our relationships by tainting creation and distorting water and blood into
things that are not natural, namely undead. The pain of
separation in death is ended by sharing and eating the heart, and through this,
the cycle of death and life continues on. True hunters thrive in
this continued cycle of connectedness. Necromancy creates anew a
separation by destroying permanently both heart and earth. If
tainted by necromancy, death would not become life once more, but only becomes undeath, and the connectedness is ended.
Chaos
and Necromancy:
The earth caster has an
incredibly special power to tap into the flow of the natural cycle and use the
powers of the earth and continue the harmony of life and death. The
alternative – calling on chaos – should never even be considered a
temptation, even for the slightest incantation. Even the seemingly
insignificant usage of the “power” of chaos permanently destroys a
part of this cycle, forever breaking a link in the chain that weaves the web of
life. It is not a “necessary evil” that can ever be used
to gain anything. It is only a destructive power that, by its
inherent definition, opposes, mars, and severs the interconnected harmony that
earth magic can bestow in the gifts of healing, life, and death. Not
even against the most horrible creature, or in the direst of situations, should
chaos ever be called upon as a solution. Necromancy
and chaos are never a solution. A true hunter must understand a wise
and genuine use of power, and that is not in necromancy or
chaos. They lead only to permanent demise and corruption
Hope
for the Future:
Hope for the future comes
from understanding of and faith in the natural cycle of life and
death, rooted in the harmony of the earth. Necromancy holds no hope
for the future, and can only immediately and permanently stop the natural flow
of earth by twisting it into the undead. Some may find it hard to
perceive this corruption of the flow, but that may be because their connection
to the earth is limited, or their perception of harmony flawed. Any
being with true love of earth and hope for the future will see the evils of
necromancy, and the wisdom in its outlaw and punishment.
Wisdom must continue to
blossom in the future by destroying the undead and ceasing the forces of
necromancy and chaos.
Service
and Trust:
The chain of life is woven
and connected through blood, water, and earth; the strength and beauty of the
chain’s connection is fortified by service and trust to one another in
symbiotic harmony. Some may live harmoniously together despite the
lack of any system as hierarchy, such as my kindred, the Children of
Autumn. Others live harmoniously together through established
government and law, such as barons and knights, following the Code of Chivalry. Regardless
of label or lack thereof, all natural beings fall into a flow of who to follow
and how to lead, and use their heart and mind to question and grow in this
leader-follower relationship. Necromancy has no such regard for service
or trust, as it calls upon chaos and thrives in the unpredictable and
disorganized. Chaos scoffs at the idea of mutually respectful and
beneficial relationships, believing only in destruction and wanton
carelessness.
Law
and Justice:
Similarly, because law is
collective wisdom and virtue, chaos and necromancy fight against
law. Justice, coming from wisdom and acting out the consequences of
the laws, is another way to care for all and hope for the
future. Yet again, chaos and necromancy fight against the goodness
of justice with the same malevolent destruction and
disorganization. Nothing can be built or maintained when chaos is
called upon and necromancy is used. The love of life is hope for the
future, and necromancy, even in the smallest incantation, removes both love and
hope.
Healer’s Guild Report
I would like to thank all of
those who came to our annual party. The company was great and fun for all. I do
hope all had as much fun as I did!
Here is an update and or
basic information for any who are interested in how the Guild functions.
There are several levels to
the Guild hierarchy.
1: Outer circle:
These friends of the Guild work with us whenever possible. However, they
do not vote or sit in on meetings. To go
past this circle, you must have gone through the interview process and passed.
2: Outer circle:
This includes bodyguards and healers in training. They must know how to
read and write and be able to perform basic first aid. They are on the
“preferred choice list” which must be checked at the beginning of
each gathering. These members are able to vote as well as attend all meetings,
but are not required to do so. To go
past this circle, you must serve at least one hour Guild duty each gathering
when you are present.
3: Member: Here one must have healing spells and be able
to teach healing spells. They must be on
call for resurrections.
4: Inter Members: This is for those seeking investment. They
must be able to cast two Life spells a day as a minimum. They must also receive
and be working on their Guild book. They get an input on box specials.
5: Invested members: This member must supply the ritual scroll as
well the components for Investment. They must have four Life spells and at
least one level of earth formal magic. In addition, they must complete at least
one book for the Guild library.
Invested members have input
on the day-to-day running of the Guild. In addition, they must do at least two
hours per gathering in the Guild. Resurrections count as double time due to the
emotional stress.
Those abusing or lacking in
these responsibilities will be put on Guild reprimand. If the problem persists,
the Guild will vote on the level of punishment to removal if necessary.
For those who are not
familiar with the Guild, we strive to celebrate life, so parties are often.
Along with life unfortunately comes death. Our resurrections are private. As a
result, only members are allowed to be present. Interrupting this process
unfortunately gets the door closed. We are sorry if this upsets anyone, but
calm is essential to a chance of surviving a death.
The Mages’ Guild makes
silvers every time an item is identified as magic as well, and the most common
rituals tend to be celestial in nature. Unfortunately, the Healers’ Guild
makes its money by selling potions and when a gathering adventurer dies and
needs resurrecting. Unfortunately healers must insist on being paid for their
healing. I am always thankful when adventurers compensate those who help them
stay alive and active. Please think of healers the next time you buy food or
drink – and make a small donation of what you spend on drink toward the
Guild. Even just a silver would be appreciated.
We also find other ways to
raise funds. The Guild plans on having
hot chili for sale as well as cake and other items in the tavern. For members,
special food will be available during the meeting time in the Guild. Being late
means you’ll be
too late for the good stuff.
Each gathering I use my
alchemy to make Cure Light elixirs to keep more people up than dead. If you are
new to town or are in need, please see us. It is my personal donation to the
town.
The guild meeting will be at
10 pm on Friday night of the upcoming gathering. Special food and other things
will be available during the meeting time. There will be a lot to discuss.
After this will, of course, be party time.
If there is time, who knows? Maybe we can do candy time or a fudge
party.
Guildmistress Zatarina
A Little Birdie Told Me
By Sue D’Onym
Hello, dearies! Time for another installment of the News They Don’t Want You To Know!
Sir Daniel Grimsby
was seen boarding a ship for Evorra, is he looking to become a royal knight if Duchess Jacelyn wins the throne or does
he intend to challenge Sir Nigel Campbell for Dame Iona’s hand?
Sir Nevin
was certainly all business after the annual Halloween panic, he was seen speaking to all the nobles of Fairdale, many
of whom rode for
That’s all for this
month! Not a lot, is it? That’s because you aren’t sending
me your gossip. You can’t blame me!
Anyway, as always,
remember: If you can’t say
something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Public Notices
I INTEND to return to Fairdale to
train a few aspiring new rangers at the gathering in the beginning of the month of the
Serpent. No ability
to toss a caber is necessary. Are you feeling lucky? If you believe your senses to be keen
enough, come and seek me in the forest on the second night of the
gathering. - Khorwyn Brey,
First Ranger of
Blythedale
SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED. We are
looking for the following Ritual Scrolls: 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, Controlled Spirit Store, and Copy Formal Ritual as well as
any reagents. We are willing to buy or trade, please contact Squire Sparticous.