Strange Time Rifts Disrupt Ashbury City

 

by Oliver Nirab

For the last few weeks, time seems to have been reacting quite strangely around Ashbury. Several people would come into town claiming that the year was different. Some even claimed to be important figures from the past. Other people who appeared made claims that were patently incorrect like that Ashbury was called Valkenkyrie or that Icenia was ruled by Queen Lilyth Avacar, for example. Others claimed that Ashbury was ruled by vampires or the Kanoredhil. Even more distressing was that sometimes time would cause some citizens to simply vanish.

On Friday the 15th of Dragon, Duke Frost summoned all of the Ashban adventurers in the city to the Dragon’s Flagon to inform them of these strange events and ask them to keep their eyes open. In the middle of Duke Frost’s speech, a figure, later identified as Tarvin Plathus, rifted in wielding a strange staff with an hourglass at the head and similar runes and carvings upon it. Tarvin immediately used the staff to stop time and began searching the crowd for someone. Upon spying the crow scavenger Bran, Tarvin began berating him for not killing some trolls and was about to slay him. Suddenly, a future version of Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous rifted in, distracting Tarvin.

Cedric attempted to convince Tarvin to give up his plans, to which the figure merely shouted that he had to save his family and would not be stopped. With those words, Tarvin attacked Cedric and Cedric responded with an array of spells, including some dragon magic. Tarvin, realizing that he was outmatched, rifted away. With Tarvin’s departure the Ashbans were able to move again and immediately began to question Cedric.

The wizard explained that Tarvin was a brilliant student of time who was overcome with grief when his beloved son was killed in a troll attack. Since then, he somehow acquired the Staff of Endless Time, a powerful artifact created by the Time Elementals that allowed Tarvin to travel in time. With this wondrous item, Tarvin constantly attempted to save his son, but the boy continued to die in other tragic ways no matter what Tarvin did.

While explaining the situation, a time rift suddenly swallowed Duke Frost. Sir Eros Clearbrook, the ducal magistrate, immediately demanded an explanation from Cedric and the time traveler said that all of the mucking with time that Tarvin was doing was damaging the timestream, causing not only figures from the future and past to appear, and present people to vanish, but also causing figures from alternate timelines to appear as well. Cedric explained that he came from eight hundred years in the future, and that in his time Ashbury was a vast wasteland that has been destroyed by hundreds of armies and monsters and heroes constantly appearing and battling one another.

When Cedric was asked where the Time Elementals were, he explained that he didn’t know. Cedric told the Ashbans that he had tried to summon one several times but had always failed. He suspected Tarvin was able to keep them at bay with the Staff of Endless Time.

The Ashbans quickly asked what they could do to help, and Cedric told them that he needed to summon the staff to him. Squire Gabriel Bruce of Blythedale offered a Conjure Artifact scroll and components to Cedric, but the venerable mage suggested that with such a powerful artifact he would probably need a Talon Scroll and whatever components it called for. The Talon Scrolls were last used by Duke Oliver Songbringer to destroy the troll general Fangthorn before Ashbury was even founded.

With that, Cedric called forward Bran and explained that Tarvin would continue to try to kill him and that the crow scavenger would need protection. Cedric then offered to grant him a magical sword, arcane armor, and a protection aura to help protect him. Bran accepted, but when Cedric used his dragon magic to cast the protection aura, he began to cry out in pain and rifted out.

Just then, two dog-like creatures rifted into the tavern and attacked. Although they were powerful, the Ashbans were able to destroy them. Cedric later explained that they were called Paradox Beasts and that they were created by the Time Elementals to try to kill people who alter time. He told the Ashbans that every time he performed a spell on anyone who wasn’t also out of time, such as the Ashbans present in 605, or gave them information on the future it would cause a paradox and cause the beasts to appear and attack him. Cedric suspected that the Paradox Beasts, as well as the Time Elementals, could not attack Tarvin because he wielded Staff of Endless Time. Occasionally for the next couple of days golems, presumably sent by Tarvin, appeared and attacked Bran, but he was able to defeat them with the help of the Ashbans.

Cedric returned a little later and explained that he could open a rift through time that would allow him to take six people to Mourna’s cave, where the Scrolls were found, while she was out fighting Sir Kabar Fenwyck in the battle that would slay her. Cedric did warn the Ashbans, however, that his time portals were not stable and that repeated trips could cause physical degradation. He also explained that he wouldn’t be able to assist on the missions because he would need to hold the gateway open. Sir Du’Gaul Mornavor, Squire Gabriel, and Sir Jonathan Dragonheart Vardik of Blythedale, Sir Rorii of the Ash Forest, and Lord Daniel Star-Grimsby and Scarn Whiteleaf volunteered to get the scroll, figuring that since it was the most important of the components needed the most powerful adventurers present should go.

Cedric opened a rift for them, and they found themselves outside a large cave and in the distance they heard the fateful battle between Mourna and her minions and Sir Kabar and his forces. Unfortunately, Mourna did not leave her lair unattended and the Ashbans were held for some time. At the entrance of the cave, death knights and death rouges were standing guard.  After slaying over a dozen of the monstrosities, the Ashbans were able to sneak into the cave and determine a puzzle of how to open the door that led to the Talon Scrolls. Lord Daniel plucked the scroll from on top of a book containing the other scrolls and the group returned to 605.

After examining the scroll, Cedric announced that they would need several components: A Wand from the tower of the infamous wizard Penthanthos, ashes from a powerful fire elemental drawn by a great fire, a leaf from a corrupted spirit tree, a piece of a sword of a true hero, and the catalyst necessary was a tooth of an ancient wyrm.

Later that night, Cedric took a group of Ashbans, consisting of Ezri Telnasse, Koshinara Murakami, Squire Darlassia Fairseer, Jezebel, Lauroc DerWyvernhaus and Bosh to  Penthanthos’ tower to acquire a wand. Cedric explained that it was the absence of the wand that caused the wizard’s ritual to go wrong and create the Gaffe, but that it was necessary to stop Tarvin. The Ashbans were able to infiltrate Pentanthos’ tower, slay several iron golems protecting it, and depart with the wand. They left everything else as they had found it. After going through the gate Cedric stayed behind to replace the Golems that were destroyed so that Penthan-thos would not realize that they had been there.

The next day Cedric returned and explained that he was going to take some Ashbans to the Ash Forest just before the Amani Elves settled there. He explained that the Kiergani elves were fighting a vast fire, and that the Amani would come and help put it out and would be allowed to settle in the Forest as a result. Cedric pointed out that although some of the Fire Elementals would need to be killed to get the component they needed, if they killed too many the fire could be put out too quickly, thus changing history.

The Ashbans understood and a small group consisting of Scarn, Cuar Hyanda, Gulo Axrock, Squire Darlassia, and the gypsy known as Ket went. They found themselves in a vast, burning forest and were forced to do battle with several fire elementals before they got a chunk of ash that they could use. At several points it looked as though the elementals would overwhelm the Ashbans, but they were able to pull together to complete the mission and return through Cedric’s portal largely, though not entirely, due to the leadership and sly tricks of Scarn.

That afternoon, a Paradox Beast entered town. Although, instead of rifting in, as others had done when someone changed time, this one entered on foot. The beast couldn’t speak, but it indicated that it wanted the Ashbans to follow it. Scarn, the mystic wood elves Issalaura Weatherlight, Mori and Joshua, as well as Ahurak and Cassandra followed it and were transported to what was believed to be the future. They found themselves in Ashbury, but it was an utterly destroyed wasteland. The city appeared to be completely burned out and destroyed. In the distance, the Ashbans saw the burned out husk of the Ducal Manorhouse, with Duke Frost’s tattered flag fluttering in the breeze. In the other direction they saw the remains of the Dragon’s Flagon and a broken statue honoring Dame Natasha. 

The Paradox Beast led them to the only building that looked somewhat intact even though it had clearly suffered a fire. The building was guarded by several iron and stone golems. While battling with the creatures, Issalaura attempted to sneak in the back door, only to find herself confronted with three more golems. In short order all the golems were defeated and the Ashbans escaped with several small treasures, including the remains of a journal.

Upon returning to 605 the journal was examined and it turned out to be Tarvin’s. Amid the mad ramblings it was discovered that Tarvin had accidentally released a criminal Time Elemental named Immodius. It was Immodius who had given Tarvin the Staff of Endless Time and was encouraging him to alter history. At first, motives for Immodius’ actions were unclear, but after the journal was examined by Lauroc and Cedric it was discovered that Immodius grew more powerful whenever history was altered.

This information filled in another puzzle, as there was a large silver figure with an hourglass symbol on his head that had been periodically pulling people from time and either aging them or making them younger. Additionally, many Ashbans were being transported to some of the most traumatic moments of their lives and it was believed that this was Immodius’ doing as well, especially considering the temptation to change history for the better, thus giving Immodius more power. Sparticous was the first adventurer to be rifted out by the time; he rifted back shortly after and appeared to be fine.

Later that day, Cedric returned and explained that he would need to take six adventurers to get the fang of an ancient dragon. He told the Ashbans that the dragon was asleep, and that they would need to disarm the many traps that guarded him while also making sure that he did not wake up. Cedric explained that he would probably only wake up if they were extremely loud, or if a biata or stone elf entered his mind. With that, Redcloud, Alopex, Ket, Katyreena, Mori, and Guildmistress Keely from Chiram’s Hollow went with Cedric. Although initially the task looked incredibly daunting, Alopex was able to slip past most of the traps without disturbing them, cut out the dragon’s tooth, administered a healing elixir, and slipped back out. They only had to disable one trap and were able to reset it with no problem. After returning the Ashbans, Cedric was especially grateful to Alopex for his skill in the task.

That night, Cedric again rifted in and explained that he would take a group of adventurers to the alternate future that many Ashbans experienced when pulled forward in time by Black Annis. He explained that he would take them to one of the corrupted trees that the Ashbans of that time would come and destroy soon, and that their only task was to pluck a leaf from it and escape. Cedric told them that if they killed the tree, it would cause a paradox since the Ashbans of that time were supposed to destroy the tree.

Sir Rorii assembled a group consisting of himself, Mace Ravik, Lentis, Vincent, Kerrigwen, and Bosh. They found themselves facing not only the very powerful Tree of Shades, but also several undead guarding it. However, they were flawlessly able to slip in, pluck the leaf from the tree and retreat back to Cedric’s portal.

The only piece left to get was the piece of a true hero’s sword. Unfortunately, Tarvin had apparently caught on to what Cedric was doing, because he summoned several earth elementals and sent them to kill the wizard when he was only an infant.

Cedric returned to Ashbury Sunday morning looking transparent and worried. He quickly explained what was going on and said he’d need six people he trusted to go and save his child self. While talking, he completely faded from existence a couple of times, but quickly returned each time. A hasty group of Issalaura, Mori, Mace, Ahurak, Kerrigwen, and Cassandra were assembled and Cedric quickly opened a portal to send them.

The Ashbans found themselves on a large Asitikir farm, with several stone elementals attacking a nearby house. They were no sooner out of the portal when both it and Cedric vanished from existence. Inside, they found Cedric’s father trying to fight off the creatures, the clothes of Cedric’s brother who had died in the attempt, and his mother trying to protect the baby Cedric. The Ashbans were able to quickly slay the initial creatures, but soon three more elementals rifted in and quickly overwhelmed the party.

Only Mori was left standing and she was outmatched by the creatures. Fortunately Cedric’s father was able to administer one of Issalaura’s own healing potions to her, and she was then able to heal the rest of the party and destroy the creatures, at which point Cedric and the portal reappeared.

Unfortunately, Ahurak, Cassandra, and Cedric’s mother all required Life spells and Kerrigwen was without them. Thinking quickly, the rest of the group threw the downed people through Cedric’s portal. However, Cedric’s mother never exited on the other side. It is presumed that since 605 was not her proper time she remained in her time instead. The rest of the party was granted life by Squire Glorianna Wyndancer of Nordenn upon their return and thanked by Cedric.

The elven dragon mage then said he was ready to take a group to get the final piece, and revealed who the true hero was: Lieutenant Mangar Grimsby. Cedric explained that he was going to take them to the battle of Two Towers in 522 where Lieutenant Mangar had originally been killed fighting off against a barbarian attack on the garrison. Lord Daniel Star-Grimsby, presumably anxious to meet his ancestor, led the group and was joined by an all human group consisting of Aria Devonshire, Cora, Paythin Alderin, Koshinara, and Vincent.

The group was transported to a garrison and found Lieutenant Mangar defending a breach in the walls from a horde of barbarians alone with the clothes of Mangar’s fallen soldiers around him. Mangar quickly announced that he was glad that reinforcements had arrived and ordered the Ashbans to aid him.

The barbarians were fierce opponents and were able to shatter Mangar’s silver sword, allowing the Ashbans to surreptitiously pick up a piece. The Ashbans continued to fight the barbarians and at one point, reluctant to let Mangar be killed, Lifed him. However, Lord Daniel’s group realized that Mangar had to die to preserve the timeline and, after he was once again taken down, they retreated to Cedric’s portal, leaving the young lieutenant to history.

With all the components gathered, Cedric performed the ritual in front of the Ash Forest manor house as soon as he returned to Ashbury of 605. Although there were few witnesses to the ritual, it was successful. However, when the Staff of Endless Time appeared in Cedric’s hands, he quickly fell to his knees and yelled that it was too much power and rifted out.

In short order, Tarvin and Immodius appeared in town with a large pack of Paradox Beasts that the rogue Time Elemental controlled. Immodius immediately began berating Tarvin for losing the staff. Tarvin countered by saying that Immodius was supposed to help him save his family and that he hadn’t. Immodius quickly struck Tarvin down and ordered his Paradox Beasts to attack the town.

The battle was incredibly fierce and more Paradox Beasts kept appearing to join the fight. Twice during the battle Immodius stopped time and slew several adventurers, once taking down nearly half of the Black Unicorns. It was only through luck that Immodius was finally defeated. Having slain Air Raksa of the Black Unicorns at one point during the fight, Immodius administered a killing blow, only to be slain himself when the Lempur Dagger that the unfortunate orc carries slew the Time Elemental with a Vengeance ritual. Once taken down, Immodius immediately vanished and the Paradox Beasts ceased to appear as well.  

Mere seconds after the battle, Cedric and a female Time Elemental, who wielded the Staff of Endless Time, rifted in with the bound and defeated Immodius before them. The Time Elemental apologized to the Ashbans for all the trouble that Immodius had caused, and thanked them for defeating him.

She then presented the Ashbans with several valuables that had been misplaced in time as a small token of the gratitude of the Time Elementals. Finally, she told Cedric that he could not exist as he was and to say his farewells before he faded from time. With that, she took Immodius and rifted away. Cedric thanked the Ashbans and told them that they were the heroes he remembered before collapsing and fading from time.

In a strange twist of fate, the Tarvin of 605 also entered town. He explained that his son had just been slain by trolls and wanted to see if he had resurrected. He was summarily slain by Scarn so that he could not begin his mad time traveling journeys. Squire Gabriel was overheard saying that Tarvin’s death was just punishment for the thousands of lives that he had taken when he had the Staff of Endless Time.

 

 


Time Twisting Causes Many Problems

 

During the recent disturbances in time, many people from the past, future, and alternate times appeared in Ashbury. Early Friday night, a large force of yellow snake creatures appeared carrying a banner of an eye with two fangs around it. The creatures attacked Ashbury and accused them of murdering their baron, who had been on a mission of peace, and stealing a valuable artifact of a scorpion encased in amber from them. Since no Ashbans were aware of what the creatures were talking about, it was presumed that these creatures were from the future. However the creatures seemed bent on vengeance and were not interested in providing answers, a great battle erupted. Fortunately, Ashbury’s adventurers were up to the task and defeated them.

Saturday morning the dark fey prince Silva arrived and began to mock the Ashbans as they floundered in the chaotic times. Shortly afterwards, the Cedric from 1405 arrived in town and began to converse with Silva. Silva mocked Cedric too, calling him “Old Man.” Silva did offer to give the Ashbans an hour free of the time-twisting so that they could talk to Duke Frost to discuss the matter as a thanks to Cedric for years of chess and tea during their many talks. When Cedric explained to the Ashbans that he had tried to acquire information from Silva during these times the fey laughed and said, “True, I did help you when your frustration ceased to be amusing.” When Cedric agreed to this, Silva snapped his fingers and said “It is done,” and Cedric immediately vanished. Before rifting out, Silva announced that anyone out of their proper time would also be pulled away during the hour.

Duke Frost appeared in short order and explained that he had found himself in Niman and did what felt right to him—fighting the slavers. Shortly after the ducal meeting, Duke Frost seemed to return, but it was quickly apparent that he was from a different timeline. Accompanying him was Dame Darleena, whom no one had ever met, and Baron Eros of Nordenn. It was also noted that this alternate Duke Frost was carrying the sword usually wielded by The One. They brought with them the liche, K’tharduk Addikan of The Brotherhood, who was bound and whose bottle they carried. Duke Frost explained that since the adventurers of Ashbury had put aside greed and petty disagreements and banded together they had defeated all of Ashbury’s enemies, and that K’tharduk was the last enemy left and was now about to be obliterated. With that, Baron Eros flawlessly performed the ritual and destroyed the liche. Shortly afterwards the party vanished.

It wasn’t long before strange happenings occurred again. Sir Eros entered the city wearing the old tabard of Duke Aramis. However, it was quickly realized that he was a different Sir Eros from the one they knew. He seemed surprised to find the Ashbans there and said that Requin had just slain Duke Aramis and the last army that had been assembled to defend the city. He explained that Count Requin and his Galanthian and troll allies had conquered nearly all of Ashbury except the city itself and that he was now marching on the city after defeating Duke Aramis. The Ashbans quickly assembled to meet Requin’s Army.

The Ashbans arrived to find a large force of trolls, Galanthian Swords of Lore, and Requin’s personal forces. Requin called a parlay and spoke to several of Ashbury’s nobles. He offered them one last chance to join him and rule while keeping vows to King Mykel of Evendarr, but the Ashbans refused. When Sir Eros asked if Calis was present so that he could enact vengeance, Requin responded that General Calis was ruling Trellheim as a reward for destroying the Vessel of Vapors. The battle was challenging, but ultimately the Ashbans slew Requin’s forces to a man. Requin himself was felled by Scarn Whiteleaf, who struck him unconscious from behind.

Later the same day, a large force of Kanoredhil and ogres attacked Ashbury, but they were led by several elves who are known allies, including Sir Rorii, Sir Indorian, Auric of the Black Forest, and even Corbin who was permanently slain years ago. The Kanoredhil boasted that they had defeated both Imladar and The Wold and that they were giving the elves of Ashbury one last chance to join them. Not surprisingly, the Ashbans quickly attacked them. Most of the Kanoredhil and ogres were slain, and Sir Rorii and a few others were forced to retreat into a Ward that they had cast when the fight began. As they were trying to determine how to defeat them, the figures faded away as time twisted again.

Late that night, the city was attacked by a combined force of lizardmen and dark elves, led by House Ryujima. The dark elves demanded that the Ashbans turn over their nobles and prisoners of war. The Ashbans refused and attacked. Unfortunately, the battle went badly, and the Ashbans were scattered and killed. There were five resurrections, including Sir Rorii and Baroness Glenduria of the Ash Forest, and Sparticous, who was told upon resurrection that Ashbury had surrendered and no one was to attack any of the lizardmen or dark elves. Documentation was found on some of the dark elves that showed that they were from a future seventy years from now where Icenia and Tarzaterranzan were at war. Several of the Ashbans were scattered to their Wards, but fortunately, after a while the Dark Elves and lizard men faded from time.

In addition to these dangerous and large scale battles, many figures from different times were encountered, including Bretton Darkwood, one of Trellhiem’s Barons, and members of the now defunct criminal organization known as the Fist. Fortunately, Ashbury’s heroes were able to stop these strange time shifts.

 

 


Ashbury Guildmistress Arrested; Royal Mages’ Guild Outraged

 

Brianna, head of the Ashbury Mage’s Guild was arrested on the 16th of Dragon in connection with the assault and robbery of numerous Ashbury citizens.

It seems she was leaking information about the various magical items throughout the community to a band of thugs who would later assault and rob individuals of their property.

It was discovered that it was she who was behind the attacks on many adventurers, including Scarn Whiteleaf, and, most recently Cuar Hyanda, Fishercat Warbird, Gulo Axrock and Redcloud Blooddawn, who were lured out to the woods by a fellow Kiergani and attacked. Only their magic items were stolen in this incident. In fact, it was Scarn who had noted the suspicious coincidences and brought his accusation to Sir Eros that led to the investigation.

Squire Daralassia of the Ash Forest was put in charge of her trial, with Sir Eros watching over the proceedings. Brianna sealed her own fate when it was discovered that she kept a book describing who had what items, and notes like “no good, spirit linked” or other descriptions indicating whether a person was a good potential target. 

Brianna was found guilty and has been relieved of her position as Guildmistress and will be executed. 

The following day, Guildmistress Lizarra Trynn of the Royal Mages’ Guild arrived in town.

After verifying with several nervous adventurers that she was indeed from the proper year and day, she reported: “We are outraged that somebody we trusted could behave in such a manner. She will be dealt with according to the law and has been removed from the Guild.” Lizarra replaces former Guildmaster Tiriflorn MacMannon, who has now been appointed the King’s personal mage.  

The Circle of Power in the Ashbury Mages’ Guild has been destroyed and a new one put up in its place, as there is no way to tell whether or not Brianna has invested other people. Lizarra’s assistant, William Lenox, will take over as the Guildmaster of the Ashbury Mage’s Guild. Guild members who need to be re-invested should make an appointment with the new Guildmaster.

 


 

Sir Harrison Appointed Paladin

 

On a rainy day this month, the Sheriff of Ashbury City, Sir Harrison Ryat, was appointed to the position of Paladin.  He will now, along with Sir Eros and His Grace, act as a judge when deciding cases where a noble has been accused; and he will be testing squires for their advancement to Lord or Ladyship.

Paladins are appointed when a knight shows exemplary behavior, honesty, and integrity; and when a specific need for one arises. 

Sir Harrison’s family has long served Icenia in the capacity of Royal Knights; he was appointed Sheriff and Knight to his Grace Duke Sir Frost just under three years ago when His Grace corrected an oversight. It seems that before Icenia fell under the great prophecy of Glantri that Sir Harrison was a royal knight under King Thrombolis, but when the lands were freed of the curse by the Adventurers of Ashbury, Sir Harrison was not immediately reinstated.

Lord Harrison worked humbly under the title of Sheriff, asking for neither lands nor extra reward when His Grace heard of Harrison’s past deeds as Knight when on a hunting trip with King Gareth. Harrison was immediately knighted and awarded the estates of Dockside and Descante, estates that he will maintain with his new title of Paladin.

It is presumed that some small ceremony will mark this occasion at the Duke’s annual tournament. 

In other related news, Goodman Daedric has been appointed to the Town Guard, sharing duties with other adventures Ahurak and Osrik, among others. Sir Harrison states that he is always looking for new recruits..

 


 

12th Annual Tournament to be Held on the 21st

 

The Twelfth 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. There are nine competitions, so a team could conceivably earn 27 gold nobles. Even a team coming in 5th place in every event can still earn four and a half gold pieces without having to exert itself.  And since battle is just a small part of the competition, even a beginning team can win.

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.

Duke Frost Vardik will, as usual, judge the competition, and the entire duchy is hoping that nothing in his schedule will prevent this.

He will continue a tradition started by his wife, and will be choosing a “champion” at the conclusion of the Tournament. As her beloved Grace once said, this award goes to 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 Champion until the next tournament.

As usual, Sir Eros will be overseeing the Tournament, as well as preparing the Hunt items and puzzles.

Rules for the Tournament are available in a treatise written by former Ashbury Times editor Eric Woolcott. The article is publicly available in most learned libraries and the Sage’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.

Teams may register at the very last minute but most contain exactly six participants.

The competitions will be held in this order:

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. Gifts may be presented to His Grace but they will not be a part of his decision-making. This will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday on Gwendolyn’s Field.

Combat: In this, each team presents three fighters who compete against another team using padded weapons. It will be held immediately after Colors.

Hunt: The Hunt list will be handed out immediately after the Combat competition is over, and will conclude at the very end of the entire Tournament on Sunday afternoon.

Spellcaster’s Battle: One spellcaster from each team will meet on the field and the last one standing is the winner. This will be held around 8 p.m. on Saturday night.

Entertainment: Here, the team has approximately five minutes to tell a story, perform a skit, sing a song, or otherwise entertain the audience. This will be held right after the Spellcaster’s Battle.

Riddles: This could include puzzles and other mind games as well as riddles, and all six members should participate. This will be held immediately after Entertainment.

Archery: In this competition, one team member competes to get the bulls-eye more than his or her competitors. This will be held Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Race: This is an exciting relay race in which four of the team members compete against the other teams at the same time. This will be held immediately after the Archery competition.

Hero’s Battle: This is a one-on-one battle performed in the same manner as the Combat Tournament, after the completion of the Race. This will be immediately followed by the submission of the Hunt list superlatives and the announcing of the winners.

 

 


Hopewell Attacked by the One

 

On the first day of Hawk, the Plane Touched rifted into Hopewell and, led by the being known only as The One, attacked Hopewell, bashing through the garrison posted there and slaughtering hundreds of Biata citizens, most permanently.  This has been called the most gruesome battle since the first time the Plane Touched made an attack on Bloodstone.  It was at a fortified cave entrance that the tide of the battle turned against the Plane Touched and they were finally pushed back.  The One was defeated and dissipated instantly when cut down by a combined effort by a number of notable Hopewell citizens led by Council Elder Shoran Vardik.  Many members of the Council of Hopewell fell permanently defending this fortification.

Several families of Hoblings that live in Hopewell have closed down their businesses and temporarily left their homes until The One can be defeated permanently.

The One has been defeated a number of times in Ashbury City in the past by the combined efforts of several powerful warriors there.  It is surmised that, since The One dissipates immediately upon his defeat, he may be an extra planar being, meaning being killed here in Fortannis does not weaken his spirit.  It is notable, however, that permanent bodies of the Plane Touched have been found after large scale battles, but the ranks of Plane Touched appear to be growing at a steady rate.  The One seems to be recruiting soldiers from the Plains of Rage.

The attack was wholly unexpected as The One has only been known to lead attacks against Bloodstone.  The past several battles in Bloodstone had been low on Biata casualties as the Ducal army is growing more skilled in fighting the Plane Touched.

 


Blythedale Festival a Success

Sir Regent DuGaul Mornavor has erected, in the aptly-named “Unicorn Square” in the estate of Dragonheart, a 20-foot statue of Sparticous of the Black Unicorns.  It is scheduled to be unveiled the 1st of the month.  People who have previewed the statue say that the likeness is uncanny and that The Immortal Sparticous’ grave but kind features and intimidating stance will serve as a warning to enemies and an inspiration to the people of Dragonheart.

The first annual Blythdale Youth Festival and Games were held on the 9th and 10th of last month.  The Games were in the style of the Ashbury annual Ducal tournament, but with some minor changes.  Food, drink, entertainment, and the Games were all part of what people hope to be a new tradition. There were two age categories for teams (8 to 11 years and 12 to 15 years, or equivalent maturity groups for non-humans). The younger groups had no combat games, but instead had an agility course and dodge ball. The older group had light, non-lethal combat. Spellcasting was left out of the tournament as so few youngsters grasp magic.

Local merchant houses and other businesses were encouraged to participate and help sponsor.  The theme of the festival this year was “The Future.” Among prizes for the tournament (older group) were weapons hand-crafted by the Regent himself. Also, for the winning team, a baronial scholarship to the institution of their choice! For the younger bracket, prizes were tailored towards children—practice weapons, books, sweet foods, and small purses of coin.

A standout was chosen from each age group where the honorable competitor won the ability to be “squire for a day” and spent the day with the regent, visiting the capital, meeting with the court, and seeing what it was like to be a Noble.  This year’s Champions were Neville Smyth, the eldest son of a local blacksmith and Johanna Quillion, the youngest daughter of Bernard Quillion, a local scribe.


Bardic College Reconstruction Completed

 

The structural damage caused by the mysterious fire that swept through the Bardic College late last year has been repaired. The fire destroyed one dormitory, and severely damaged two others, along with the administrative office. Minor damage spread to other buildings, including the library and schools of history and philosophy. Fortunately, the incident occurred during Sunday brunch hour, so injuries to student and staff were minimal. 

Unfortunately, a wealth of material was destroyed in the fire, and that cannot simply be rebuilt with stone and timber. Several documents were lost or damaged from the history and philosophy schools, and most of the Ancient Icenian History section of the library was incinerated.

The Bardic College is actively seeking replacement texts, and is willing to pay well for copies of historical and philosophical works.

Also of note, while the administrative office as a whole was damaged by fire, the private office and quarters of then Dean Calwan were utterly reduced to ash. None of his private writings nor official paperwork appear to have survived the fire; indeed, scarcely a word written by his hand can be found at the college anymore.  

According to experts from the local fire brigade, the dean’s offices were the largest starting points of the fire. There is little doubt now that the fire was directly related to the unfortunate incident involving former Dean Calwan at last Halloween. Nevertheless, the Bardic College has not changed its position of defending Calwan’s character and declaring the incident a tragic accident. A representative of the college has announced that they still plan to dedicate the newly built Ancient History wing of the library to the former dean, and that the ceremony will take place on or around the anniversary of the fire.


Healer’s Guild Report

 

This transition time comes to Ashbury during an unusual series of events. While the frequent time alterations caused much upheaval, the devastating defeat of the town during a trip to a dark future, which resulted in several resurrections, only proves the need of our brave adventuring groups and Baronies to work in a positive, united way. This effort was begun when several of the Nobles utilized the security of the Healer’s Circle for a meeting to discuss events during the time fluctuation. However, the Healer’s Guild was able to aid several adventurers as well during the trips through time. Three Necromantic Ritual Scrolls were destroyed successfully with the use of the Anvil of Purity. Each of the adventurers was paid fully for the scrolls, and the Healer’s Guild urges anyone who finds a necromantic item to bring it to the guild for immediate destruction.

As Tournament approaches, the Assistant Guild Leaders remind each of the competing teams to be careful while participating in the events. The Guild will once again provide free water and refreshments for the participants, and also for spectators, and will also be providing alchemical substances that are said to help block the damage caused by the rays of the sun. However, each individual should be careful of the effects the heat may cause.

The guild will also be holding a Healer’s Guild meeting at 11 bells on Friday night before the Tournament. Any healers who are current members of the guild should meet at the Guild Porch at that time. Those Healers who will not be competing in Tournament and would like to aid in the care of the participants (handing out water during events, healing the combatants, and such) please see Assistant Guildmaster Lauroc DerWyrvenhaus, or send him a private message.

In Service, 

Assistant Guild Leaders Lauroc DerWyrvenhaus and Squire Glorianna Wyndancer.

 


Letters to the Editor

 

To all those that travel Ashbury and All of Icenia,

Lest people forget, there are only two people who may administer justice within Ashbury City, Sir Eros and myself. Even our esteemed sheriff, Sir Harrison, may not. Any member of a recognized race may not be executed or punished by anyone save Sir Eros and myself unless we are at war with them. When in doubt, bring them to the proper authorities.

I will not have vigilante justice in my lands, whether it be commoner or noble, rich or poor, adventurer or farmer. Those that do so will be held accountable, up to and including the charge of murder.

In Service,

Duke Sir Frost Vardik

 

The following letter was found nailed to the front door of the Ashbury Times’ main office. While it is never our practice to publish such outright and baseless slander against our fine commoners and nobility, we felt it our duty to inform the people of Ashbury of this possible danger. 

All hope is lost for Ashbury. As a society of justice and compassion, it is dead. When a man cannot look to his brother for mercy, because all he finds is murder, we are a people of savagery. When a man cannot look to his father for mercy, because all he finds is murder, we are a people of tyranny.  

Assembled before me, stand the great adventurers of Ashbury. Mighty warrior, powerful wizard, compassionate healer. Chief among them, I see knights, squires, and barons. Upholders of the Code of Chivalry. Those whose deeds of greatness surpass the wildest tales of traveling bards. 

I seek from them, a chance to save my son. They deliver to me, sharp death upon the sword-edge. 

Now it is that I see that assembly for what it is, where stand the great mercenaries of Ashbury. Brutish thug, power-mongering mage, deniers of life. At their ugly head, I see the warlords, the boot-lickers, and the tyrants. Usurpers of the Code of Chivalry. Those whose deeds of greed and slaughter surpass the wildest ambitions of the vilest monsters. 

This tyranny cannot remain. I will see it destroyed before it destroys our duchy. Lawless adventurer and corrupt noble beware: you have abandoned justice, but I will foster and nurture it, until the day shall come where I will rightly pass judgment and execution upon you. 

Your time will come.

Tarvin Plathus

 

To the Adventurers of Ashbury,

We have been very sloppy on the field of battle as of late!  Death is a natural part of a battle, but if we work together and listen there will be no need for any of us to die.  I’ve been in battles and wars where we were out numbered by hundreds, but because we listened and followed orders of those who were in charge we survived those battles without anyone dying.  We need not fear death if we all work together and listen to those in charge! 

We will stand strong; we will not fall; we shall work together!  Let us not give our enemies reason to celebrate again!

Sparticous, Warlord of the Order of the Black Unicorn

 

To the Townsfolk of Ashbury,

Sorry I could not fight better against the enemies. I hope I can learn how to fight better when I return to Ashbury.

Semaj

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

by Sue D’Onym

I regret that my gossip is a wee thin this month. With all the comings and goings of people from the past, future, and other, I could barely keep my head on straight. In the middle of a juicy tale, my informant would just go off and vanish. That’s no way to treat a gal who’s just trying to make a living off of the unfortunate lives of other people.

Lentis Dae’Osta, Bosh Rimatano, and Ezri Silverthorn all swore fealty to the Ash Forest recently and are now members of the Baronial Court. The Manor House seems to be getting awfully cozy. In related news, Baroness Glen was seen hugging both Sparticous and Paythin after she had told them she was at a loss of words for their continuous actions within the past year. Getting a little friendly, aren’t we?

Is he immortal or isn’t he? Members of the Order of the Black Unicorn are now worried about their Warlord Sparticous because of the seven resurrections he has taken in the past three months.  Perhaps he isn’t as immortal as he claims to be.  If he has died as many times as he claims to have, he should be permanently dead three times over!

Crimson Star and Wings of Pol-aris destroyed a necromantic scroll on the forge of purity in the Healer’s Guild. Good for them! I wonder how much gold they pocketed. I hear the Guild pays well for such things. I wonder where I can get my hands on one…just kidding! And without a Guildmaster or Guildmistress to keep an eye on things, who knows to what degradation the Guild might creep. Apparently, Lauroc is actively pushing to be named the new Guildmaster which is not very likely given the fact that he has already swore fealty to another land. And then there’s that nasty rumor about necromancy that has been floating around for years...

I’ve heard through the proverbial grapevine that Squire Gabriel thinks he is a magistrate. When the present-day Tarvin came into town looking to see if his son had resurrected, he was struck down and killed. When an objection was made by the future version of Cedric, Gabriel replied that the death of Tarvin was just punishment for the many deaths he had caused by screwing with time, even though from Tarvis’ view he had not done anything yet. A pre-emptive strike, I suppose. Still, maybe that explains His Grace Duke Frost’s letter found on this page.

By the way, when a youthful Rorii appeared during the time shifts, members of the Court of Nordenn proceeded to get him drunk as he named many as his squires.

Squire Glorianna has banished from the Nordenn Manor House the necromancer Veil Kee-Koree who had trespassed upon the property. “Do not mistake that instance of saving townsfolks lives that you are welcome in our home!” she said. Scarn was not surprised, saying “Seriously, did you expect a monster to respect your home?”

With the coming Ducal Tournament, there’s sure to be a lot of goings on. Unless Shokan Ryujima shows up again, most bets are on the Ash Forest to once again win the top spot. But you never know, because anyone could show up. Usually a team gets formed at the last minute by unaffiliated adventurers.

So until next time, remember: if you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 

 


Public Notices

 

Lhasa Skamar and Lord Kuwo Mushtee: Your presence is missed sorely in Ashbury.  I hope all is well with you and your families.  If you are in need of assistance please seek me.  - Glorianna Wyndancer

 

SEEKING: Two Copy Formal Magic scrolls and catalysts; two Permanence catalysts; one Regenerate catalyst; one Arcane Armor scroll. Will be used to keep Sir Rorii alive. Seek the Court of the Ash Forest for trade.

 

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.

 

THE SAGE’S 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.