THE ASHBURY PROPHET

Hawk 612
Long Live the Emperor!

Heroes Acheive Partial Victory in Bile Dens

by Jonas Tull

In Answer to Emperor Galantri’s summons, several of Ashbury’s Returned Heroes traveled to the Bile Dens to help deal with the Mastermind’s recent buildup of troops. It is the belief of His Radiance that the foul goblin liche was summoning his forces with the intent to attack Ashbury yet again.

A previous expedition of ducal troops had been sent to make an encampment and deal with this some time ago, but no word has been heard of them.

The Returned Heroes met Duke Frost, the commander of the expedition, in his encampment and were forced to fight their way into the abandoned encampment, there they found no sign of the previous expedition, except for a few supplies, and were forced to fight past several undead and gray goblins. After meeting with the Ducal Army’s commander in the Bile Dens, General Rig Vilmund, the heroes learned that Ducal forces were stationed on either side of the Mastermind’s main army, and that this encampment was directly on the Mastermind’s supply line.

As the Heroes began to move into the abandoned buildings and clear out any undead and goblins that had holed up in the area, various humans in ducal uniforms began entering the encampment, with odd scars on their heads. These soldiers appeared to be troops from the missing regiment. Before any information could be gained from them, their heads exploded and an odd creatures clearly powered by chaos burst forth and attacked the Ashbans, instantly killing the unfortunate soldier in question.

Before this event could be fully explored, a group of lizardmen arrived in town and parlayed with Lord Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik. They informed him that the encampment was too close to their nesting grounds and ordered the Ashbury forces away.

When Lord Jonathan asked weather the lizard men served Mishrak, whom Ashbury has an alliance with, he was told that Mishrak was a fool and that they certainly did not serve him. Lord Jonathan explained that the Ashbans had no interest in the lizardmen, and that once the Mastermind was destroyed they would be leaving anyway. This was apparently not sufficient for the lizardmen, for many of their forces attacked in small groups during the night, perhaps hoping that constant harassment would cause the Ashbans to abandon the camp. The most dangerous of these attacks included a basilisk, but all were soundly defeated.

In response to the lizardman attacks, Sergeant Tyse Allen, the second in command of the forces in the encampment, ordered scouts to find the lizardmen’s nests. By the next evening, the nests were found and Sergeant Tyse assembled the Ashbans and sent them to destroy the threat.

Once the Ashbans arrived there, they were warned away by the lizardmen. Lord Jonathan again attempted to find a peaceful solution with the creatures, but they would not listen to reason and attacked.

In addition to the lizardmen, the troops also faced the same odd creatures that had been bursting forth from soldiers’ heads earlier.

The Ashbans were led in three distinct groups. Lord Jonathan commanded one branch, the wizard known as Star commanded the second, and Zatarina Norik took command of the healers and their bodyguards. The Ashbans fought together incredibly well and defeated the lizardmen.

Once the battlefield was cleared, Lord Jonathan led a small group inside their small thatched hut. Inside they found the permanent remains of several dead soldiers, their heads utterly destroyed. Also recovered were the notes of the lizardman leader. They indicated that the Mastermind had given them the chaotic creatures, but that in order for one to be born, it had to be implanted in the head of a warm blooded host and gestate, bursting forth once it reached maturity. It is fortunate that the Ashbans discovered this foul alliance, and raided the lizardman camp.

The next day Duke Frost arrived in town and explained that his scouts had found the Mastermind’s headquarters. He decreed that there would be two groups to attack. The main force, lead by Duke Frost himself, would attack on the field of battle, while a second smaller group was to sneak into a walled area and Obliterate the Mastermind’s bottle. It was hoped that the Mastermind’s intense hatred for Duke Frost would keep him distracted enough to not realize what was happening to his bottle. (Those who know their history will recall that the previous battle against the Mastermind, now known as “The Battle of Frost’s Rage”, ended in the goblin’s defeat.)

Scouts and other information determined that inside a high-walled area was a small incline surrounded by yet another wall, trapped, and guarded by a death elemental. The trap would lower a magical forcefield that could only be dropped by inserting a specific key into a receptacle. It was in this area that the Mastermind’s bottle was held. But the Mastermind is clever, and keeps many decoy bottles around as well.

Various clues as to which bottle was the Mastermind’s had been gathered by this point, but still no one was completely sure what it looked like. Glorianna Wyndancer immediately volunteered to perform the ritual, despite the fact that if the Mastermind were to be killed on the field of battle, he would reform inside the circle of power. For that reason, Duke Frost ordered the Ashbans to try to capture or hold the liche if possible.

The Ashbans marched toward the foul liche’s encampment and engaged him and his horde in battle. While the main force attacked, Glorianna and the smaller force, consisting of the stone elf Draeth, Loric Harrington, Aldric Harrington, Cirriah the wild elf, Gabriel Bruce, Ator Thunderbringer, Lord Du’Gaul Darkfire, and Cedric Fruvous slipped into the building. As expected they were forced to fight their way past a death elemental in order to reach the bottles. As half of the group entered, the force field sprang up, separating the group. Unfortunately, Loric held the components for the ritual, and he was on the outside.

Quickly those inside tried to find the key. Unable to find any obvious keys, Ator tried one of the bottles, which turned out to actually be the key. Now the group went through the bottles, eliminating those the clues warned against.

It was down to about three or four bottles, but time was running out, so Glorianna began the ritual on one that had been identified as “The Bottle of Chaos” in some of the notes discovered earlier,  in spite of the fact that there was already a spirit in it.

As soon as the Circle of Power was cast, the bottle shattered and the sound of laughter was heard, but the components and scroll were not consumed. Ator grabbed the bottle that had been the key and proposed that it was the correct one. Cedric and Loric indicated that it matched all the clues and quickly seconded this idea.

With little more to go on, and time running out, Glorianna began the ritual on that bottle. Those bravely staying in the circle to guard her in case the Mastermind was slain were Ator, Gabriel, Aldric and Lord Du’Gaul.

It turned out that this precaution was necessary. While those inside pondered over which bottle to Obliterate, the battle raged on outside. Duke Frost constantly would use the Mastermind’s hatred of him to keep the foul being away from the area of his bottle, while the Ashbans battered his undead and goblin forces.

A turning point came, however, when the Mastermind struck down Alyssa Darksnow, the sister to Scarn Whiteleaf. Seeing his sister in danger, Scarn assailed the liche with all he had, supported by the citizen sarr Lhasa’s flurry of healing magics. Unfortunately, this resulted in the Mastermind resurrecting inside Glorianna’s circle.

When the creature emerged from its bottle, it was quickly struck down by those inside the circle, but the Mastermind is clever and learned from his mistakes. When it reformed a second time, it was a tougher fight, though he was killed again. By the third time, he was able to paralyze Glorianna’s defenders and strike her down. The ritual immediately backlashed, and those inside were transformed into green goblins, though they still had their own personalities.

Duke Frost ordered a retreat back to his encampment, but the Mastermind pressed this opportunity and his forces harried the Ashbans the entire way. During the retreat the liche was killed yet again, and the bottle was placed into His Grace’s tent, which was protected by a circle of power, before it had the chance to resurrect again.

With the Mastermind safely imprisoned, and many of his undead and goblin forces defeated, His Grace publicly thanked the Ashbans for their brave and tireless efforts against the foul creature, and promised to search for a cure to those who had been changed into goblins. Fortunately, however, after five days the backlash wore off and those turned into goblins returned to normal.

While acknowledging that they had not permanently destroyed the creature, he told the heroes to take heart that they had slain him four times, bringing him that much closer to permanent death.
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Talin Appears, Arguments Ensue over Weapon

On the 6th day of Dragon, just before Sergeant Tyse Allen gathered the Ashbury forces to assault the lizardman nests, former Baroness Talin Gildenlily reappeared in the Bile Dens. Battered and confused, she was escorted to the encampment where the other Returned Heroes were staying for the expedition.

She expressed confusion as to where she was, and admitted that she remembered nothing beyond being in the woods near her manor house only months after Duke Aramis Llyrr had died.

Clearly, as expected, the Amani Council had done something to her mind and covered their tracks by removing her memory of being captured. Rumors of the elves of the Wold being in alliance with the Biata Councils who have removed themselves from Ashban society seem to be proving to be true, as these mind altering actions could only be performed by biata.

Those present who tended to Lady Talin included Lord Jonathan, Scarn, Lord Du’Gaul, Guildmistress Zatarina, Cedric Fruvous, and the Lady’s common companions, Ator Thun-derbringer and Jean-Phillipe Tiburon.

Further tension was quickly added to the situation when the Company of the Black Forest demanded Talin’s magical mace, insisting that it was loaned to her while they were the Court of the Ash Forest and while she was a knight of the court. Talin insisted that the mace was a gift from then-Baron Agnar, and that she was not going to return a gift given to her.

The Black Forest Mercenary Company, is comprised of adventurers from the Black Unicorns and the former court of the Ash Forest, and include Gilwing, Drakonis, Ragnar, and others wearing the very old colors of the former Barony.

It was at this point that Sergeant Tyse was trying to gather the Ashbans, and ordered the Black Forest to take the matter up another time. The Black Forest refused, however, insisting that they would go nowhere until the mace was returned, blatantly ignoring the Sergeant’s authority. Lady Talin stood and argued with the dwarf that the mace was indeed hers, and that if Agnar wanted it back, he could come get it himself.

Gilwing said that the mace was no longer hers when she “abandoned the barony when she became a Knight and Baroness of Blythedale.” Lady Talin then added that she never received some items and gold that was owed to her and that this matter would be brought up before the Magistrate. Gilwing was overheard responding “No way, the Magistrate hates us!”

Townsfolk began to stop and listen, watching the posturing by both sides. Jean-Phillipe and Ator stood at the weakened Lady Talin’s sides, adding their own comments to the argument. Nasty words were exchanged between Ragnar and Jean-Phillipe and violence seemed eminent, until Lord Jonathan intervened and promised to mediate the dispute once they were no longer in a war zone, and the Black Forest reluctantly agreed.

After the battle, Talin announced that she was going to ride back to Ashbury City to determine her status within the government. The elf Tiburon insisted on accompanying her, and the two rode off that very night.

The last word was that Lady Talin has reported the situation to His Grace, who decided that if any member of either party was to die, each member of the opposing group would be fined ten gold. If a decision was not made soon, His Grace would take matters in his own hands. He was noticeably displeased with everyone concerning this bickering.

A Warning from the Wold

Since Lady Talin’s reappearance, a message has appeared posted in town from an Amani ranger named Drakonis DarkTalon. The message warns the ex-Baroness in no uncertain terms that the elves of the Forest are not happy about her escape. The threats to a nobleperson of Ashbury, and indeed to all citizens, is clear.

Apparently, the cowardly elders of the Wold are having their underlings deliver their messages for them, since there has been no word or apology from the Wold that this message was unauthorized.

The message states that “it is death to those that [are not from the Forest], and to those She [meaning “The Wold” or perhaps “ex-Baroness Glen”] does not care for.”

The message to nonelves is clear, and the racist attitudes shared by these traitors obviously reveals their true intent. Many loyal and honest elves who remain in Ashbury have already repudiated the vile threats made by this wild elf.

“I will fight for Her until I am laid to rest,” stated the traitor in his message. Many members of the Ducal Army have already began making plans to make sure that this Drakonis gets his wish.


Gamblers Predict Swords of Lore will Win Tournament

The Eighteenth Annual Ashbury Tournament will be held on the last weekend of the month and looks to be an exciting event. The competition is open to all, noble and commoner alike, in groups of six.

A team gets one silver noble per team member for every point they receive in the Tournament so it is clear that a winning team can turn quite a tidy profit.

A first place win in one category, worth five points, is thus worth three gold. Even a team coming in 5th place in every event can still earn many gold pieces without having to exert itself.

In addition, the teams win a pouch full of supplies, as well as possible suits of armor, weapons, or magical items. In previous years, magical swords have even be provided as prizes.

His Radiance has stated that this year, he will be treating the winning team to a private dinner in his mansion as one of their rewards as well. The Emperor hopes to be present for the entire tournament.

Duchess Dara will also once again be choosing a “champion” at the conclusion of the Tournament. “It will be someone who is not necessarily a winner of every event,” said Her Grace, “but someone who is fair, honorable, and who shows themselves well during the competition.” The winner will have the title of Duchess’ Champion until the next tournament and will have the honor of wearing a favor from Her Grace. Past champions have included Baron Emery, Sir Morgasander (before he turned traitor), and “Galen” who is now of course better known as our beloved Emperor. Last year’s champion, Varagor of the Sword of Lore team, has held the honor graciously and stated that he looks forward to congratulating his successor.

The Tournament is open to everyone, citizen or visitor alike, and is always a time of great celebration and revelry. The first competition is on Saturday morning and the final competition is late on Sunday afternoon, so those who must travel may still participate.

Since the return of the heroes of Ashbury, many gamblers have been debating overtime about the adventurer’s chance of upsetting the Swords of Lore, a Galanthian team which has won the last four Tournaments.

Sheriff Harkan has already announced that he hopes to be sponsoring a gnoll team this year, but the oddsmakers have yet to place their chances as being high. No other groups have officially announced their interest as of yet.

As usual, Sir Eros will be overseeing the Tournament. He assures all returning heroes that the game has changed little in the past ten years.

“One thing I would like to point out to those who have not been here,” said the Magistrate, “is that we have placed a larger emphasis on the teamwork of the Combat portion of the Tournament. In the past, teams tended to treat the combat as three separate one-on-one fights because it seemed more honorable to do so. However, the Combat competition is meant to test your ability to fight as a team — you are expected to use tactics that break apart your enemies and surround them, and you are expected to use every advantage you can to win the battle.”

Rules for the Tournament are available in a treatise written by former Ashbury Times editor Eric Woolcott before his execution for treason.  The article is publicly available in most learned libraries and the Prophet’s Guild, along with advice on how to win each one.

There are nine competitions in total which seek to test all sorts of skills, including teamwork. Since the scores are generated per each competition, it is entirely possible to win the Tournament without ever winning any of the individual contests. The Tournament was designed this way in order to encourage teamwork and cooperation. A well rounded team will always do much better than one that excels in only one or two areas.

Archery: In this competition, one team member competes to get the bulls-eye more than his or her competitors.

Colors: This is the opening ceremony in which the teams present themselves to the Duke, introduce each team member, and show off their bearing, their finest clothing, their banners, and other displays.

Combat: In this, each team presents three fighters who compete against another team  using padded weapons. This is a round robin competition in which each team will compete against each other team at least once.

Entertainment: Here, the team has approximately five minutes to tell a story, perform a skit, sing a song, or otherwise entertain the audience.

Hero’s Battle: This is a one-on-one battle performed in the same manner as the Combat Tournament.

Hunt: In this competition, the team has to produce a number of items before the other teams — assuming they can figure out what the items are in the first place.

Race: This is an exciting relay race in which four of the team members compete against the other teams.

Riddles: This could include puzzles and other mind games as well as riddles, and all six members should participate.

Spellcaster’s Battle: One spellcaster from each team will meet on the field and the last one standing is the winner. No harming spells or 9th level spells are allowed, and no magical items, potions, or scrolls are allowed to be used once the competition begins.


Heroes Honored by His Grace

After the capture of the Mastermind, Duke Frost held a small ceremony to induct Shya Corak and Glorianna Wyndancer into the Order of the Gryphon. For those unaware, this honor is awarded to commoners who perform above and beyond in service to the Duchy of Ashbury, and was created by Duke Frost and Duchess Dara. No noble can ever receive this award, as it is their duty to defend Ashbury, but it is one of the highest honors that a commoner can receive.

Shya received her honor for her refusal to give the Book of the Dawn to the vampire Matros Lochaber in Gravishtam last Raccoon, even when he began slaying people in front of her.

Glorianna received the award for her bravery in immediately volunteering to perform the obliteration on the Mastermind’s bottle, even though a backlash could mean her own obliteration.

Also honored was Du’Gaul Darkfire, but not by being inducted to the Order of the Gryphon. In 601 Du’Gaul had been a lord of the land, and Duke Frost made it known to all that Du’Gaul would still be a lord in Ashbury, and officially awarded him the title.


Troll Attacks on Rise

Several small villages in Gravishtam have been the targets of several large bands of rampaging trolls. As is the way with trolls, these attacks all occurred at night. No one knows the meaning of these attacks or who is the head of this band. Several citizens think it is the Undoer returned.

One Galanthian Prophet, Yalenis, has been overheard to predict that it is indeed “...the return of the Undoer.” It should be noted that Yalenis is a newly appointed member of the Prophet’s Guild and has not yet proven his worth as a fortuneteller.

The Undoer is not so much a being as it is a thing. Rumored to be an elemental of great power, focused on the destruction of life and entropic end of all, this being is locked within a powerful weapon called the Mallet of the Undoer. The Undoer is said to be able to take possession of a host, completely devouring the mind of its host and incorporating it into its own. Within the Undoer are hundreds of such beings, and within each being the hatreds and grudges are kept and nurtured. The Undoer is driven to fulfill the revenge of every person who carries it. The Undoer was last seen to be carried by the Emperor of the trolls of the Sunless Empire. The Undoer can be seen at great distances in the darkness, its eerie blue eyes shining from its current host and the weapon it which it is trapped.

The Undoer is a legendary enemy of the dwarves, although the usually talkative storytelling dwarves have not explained how this came to be. “Never trust a troll!” warned the dwarf Gilwing recently when the issue arose. “Hit them with fire!”

All Ashbans are also reminded that thanks to His Radiance, all trolls can be killed by a simple Light spell.


Emperor Seeks Vacarran Cure

His Radiance, in his ultimate wisdom and benevolence, has made it known that he wishes to find a cure for the Vacarrans.

Many years ago, these pirates were cursed for crimes against the Empire of Galanthia. The intent of the curse was not to make the pirates into undead abominations, but rather to keep them off the seas for good. Mists of unknown origin prevented the Vacarrans from being successfully cursed and this accident caused their transformation when upon the waters only.

His Radiance requests all scholars and people of knowledge to help find a cure for the Vacarrans. He says, “They have suffered for so long. Let them find solace among our prosperous and well governed citizens. And let us one day welcome them as Galanthian brothers.”

Until that time, several warehouses in Dockside have been reserved for their stay.


Raven Attacks Prison

The criminal organization known only as “The Raven” has once again raised its head to attack our brave citizens and attempt to destroy our way of life.

This organization has taken credit for three recent escapes at local prisons. They leave a calling card with an abstract picture of a raven, so as to apparently scare the citizens.  It hasn’t worked.

“What a group of cowards,” said Warden Jabara of the Fenmarch Debtor’s Prison. “I was attacked while my back was turned and then woke up in the Healer’s Guild.” Others were not so lucky, as one prison guard who was merely doing his job died permanently, leaving behind a grieving family.

A message from the Raven recently stated that they were not in fact responsible for these actions but instead that these prison escapes were the result of actions from a group called the White Rose who was planting false information to lead the guards off their trail. So far, no one has believed these criminals and their weak attempts at subterfuge.

Details of how the Raven accomplished these acts are being withheld for the safety of possible future victims and to prevent copycat attacks; however, guard duties have doubled at the duchy’s prisons and traps have been set, daring for the criminals to try again.


Mage’s Guild News

Greetings to all Ashbury citizens and adventurers. The snow has melted and after a quiet winter, business is sure to pick up. After my ten year absence, I am going to resume my role as the Assistant Guildmaster of the Mage’s Guild and will be the Acting Guildmaster in Tiriflorn’s absence.

It seems that the political situation in Ashbury is not the only thing that has changed over the past decade. The fabric of magic itself seems to be evolving. Old spells have developed new properties and rumors of brand new spells are circulating all around the Duchy. These are very exciting times and you can be sure that the Mage’s Guild would be on top of things and will keep the citizens informed of any new developments.

The Mage’s Guild new weekend business hours are as follows:
Friday Evening 10-12
Saturday Afternoon 1-3
Saturday Evening 10-12
Sunday Afternoon 12-1

If you require a ritual or a Ward cast, please contact me in advance so I can make arrangements. I would also like to have an informal meeting with all of the Guild members on Friday evening, the 3rd of Hawk. For anyone who wishes to join the Mage’s Guild, I will be conducting interviews during the regular Guild hours.

Assistant Guildmaster Saja


Letters and Decrees

Adventurers of Ashbury,

I would once again like to thank you and congratulate you on a job well done in defending your Duchy and Kingdom. I and all its citizens are indebted to you.
I have heard much recently to the effect that you are being sent away on dangerous missions with little or no regard for your safety on my behalf. I feel that I, at the very least, owe it to you to address these grievances.

It is true since your return that I have sent forth a call to arms on many occasions to fight the enemies of our Kingdom and your Duchy. I have never, however, ordered anyone to participate if they did not feel up to the task. I find that many times small groups of capable adventurers can accomplish tasks that entire military divisions would fail at if they tried the same.

I ask only because I trust in your capable skills, and I trust in you. Many of you I knew personally before you left us, only to return ten years futureward. These people I remember as strong and noble, capable of handling problems, and always fighting for right, justice, and this land, which we love.

If even a fraction of this has not changed since your travel to this time, then I feel that asking you to fight alongside Duke Sir Frost and Myself against our common enemies is best possible thing for all the citizens of this land. So far you have gone above and beyond any expectation that could possibly have been had.

I salute everyone who has participated in keeping our lands free of evil. You deserve a rest. I invite everyone back to Ashbury for the Tournament next month, where I will make a point of being in attendance regardless of any other pressing obligations I may have. I will meet with anyone wishing to discuss matters in person.

Emperor Glantri

. . .

People of Ashbury,

It is my wish that the citizens of the duchy conduct themselves as civilized people and that they work out disputes by themselves. From recent events, it does not seem this is always possible. If the citizenry is unable to come to a mutually agreeable solution, these disputes are to be brought forward to the proper authorities. The magistrate of the estate in which the dispute occurs is the proper authority. The exception to this is if the dispute involves a noble, in which case it is to be handled by the Ducal Magistrate, Sir Eros, or by myself. Failure to bring such disputes to the proper authorities will result in fines and/or imprisonment.

Threats and the use of force will not be tolerated and will be punished harshly. I am severely disappointed in the behavior of the duchy’s citizens in recent days. Squabbling over items in a war zone while the safety of our duchy stands at risk is unacceptable. If I have to treat certain citizens like children, I shall. I will not hesitate to remove and also destroy any and all items of dispute if it becomes necessary. In addition, any rulings my magistrates or myself may make are final and lawful.

I have seen much bravery, honor and selflessness from the people of Ashbury recently, but this pettiness is what stands out in my mind. I look forward to rectifying any disputes among civilized adults, not spoiled children.

Duke Sir Frost Vardik

. . .

Greetings, and well met

I write today asking if there are any bear wrestlers around. With the tournament rapidly approaching, I was hoping that perhaps this year the nobles would consider adding the fine sport of bear wrestling. It’s been years since I’ve been able to enjoy it, what with the whole “black maw” thing and all. Perhaps if enough teams were interested, we could petition the nobility and see if this could be added to the yearly tournament. Even if that is not possible, perhaps we could run events throughout the year.

Please, if anyone knows anyone who’s participated with wrestling a bear, or is interested, let me know by posting here. I’ve never wrestled with one (nor do I intend to), so I’m not the man to come to with training help. I haven’t run this type of game either, but it can’t be that hard!

Perwin the Baker


Public Notices

FOR SALE: Weapons, Celestial Battle Magic scrolls, alchemical potions and gasses, and interesting additional wares. Please contact Symerille Strongbow

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Brave adventurers of Ashbury! Have you been longing for a place to relax, a place to put your feet up and hang up your weapons
for a while? A place where you can regail your fellow companions with tales of your brave exploits and grandous deeds? Well, your waiting is almost over, for construction and planning has been initiated for a new kind of inn for all of Ashbury. Once it has been opened we welcome all our fellow adventurers to join us at “The Roadside.”  Cold drinks and hot food for all.

TO ALL RETURNED GORBE: If you have been granted citizen status by Duke Frost, your name must be placed on a register. If you have not done so, find
Cedric Fruvous and present him with your citizenship tag so he can record your name.

ANY STRONG AND STURDY adventurers and warriors not of noble blood or tied to a noble house who is looking for a group to join, contact the Irregulars. Wearing the Fire and Iron means companionship, access to training, access to arms and armor, and access to our healers and alchemists. Contact Natalia
Gallonovich, or the Vansir known as Llyweilun.

BOUNTY: Reward being offered for alchemical information and recipies. Contact Ikmoqs with any findings ASAP