Adventurers Defend Bloodstone Homestone from Destruction; Permanently Defeat The One; Free Necromantic Biata
Early in the
morning on Friday, April 21, biata across the land woke
from a horrible vision: friends, loved ones, and the most powerful biata and gryphon heroes lying dead. Standing over their corpses were the Plane Touched, led by The One. His eyes wild,
filled with a murderous rage, he lifted a gryphon-handled sword and plunged it
into a biata homestone. The stone cracked, and then shattered.
Determined to
stop this horrible dream from coming true, biata
elder Xapano of the Bloodstone Council came to Ashbury city to warn the Duke and seek aid. At a meeting
with biata adventurers in the Healer’s Guild,
options were discussed.
Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous has
been working solidly for two years to try to uncover the origins of (and a way
to defeat) the
being called The One. He informed the
meeting that The One was an order elemental named Tendentious who was actually
a criminal on the plane of Order. With Xapano’s
help, the adventurers summoned Constabulary Gendarme – an Order elemental
responsible for handling criminals on the plane.
Constabulary
Gendarme informed those interested that she was already in deep debate about
Tendentious, but that his existence had not yet been proven to the Methodic
Assembly (the ruling body of the plane of Order). She stated that their records
indicated that he had been destroyed 15,000 years ago. She agreed to come along to Bloodstone.
Xapano arranged for gryphons
to transport the adventurers to Bloodstone. A ruse was developed where the gryphons and biata leaders would
try to lead The One and his minions into a trap, while the adventurers
protected the real homestone, deep in the hidden
caverns.
Unfortunately,
the trap did not work and The One attacked the homestone.
After a
furious barrage of blows from Lord Find’rth,
The One at first tried to imprison the dark elf with his arcane abilities, but
the renegade order elemental was forced to take refuge behind his minions and
rift away. He was immediately followed by Gendarme, while the battle against
the Plane Touched raged on. Child of Camulous Aven, and Vansir warrior of the Wolf
tribe Halldorr were forced to resurrect.
After the
battle, the adventurers were brought back to Ashbury
city where they anxiously awaited further news from the Plane of Order.
Eventually, the Arbiter of Order returned and informed everyone that Tendentious
had been defeated and was at present imprisoned, but that she could only hold
him for a day or so at best because part of his spirit was still trapped.
She explained
that a ritual was placed long ago which trapped five Clans of Getragen (biata) into a slumber.
Four of the five clans stood on one side of an ancient conflict and were facing
destruction from the fifth, so they joined forces to make all of the Getragen enter a magical slumber, with the aid of Tendentious, that should have lasted forever. It is
theorized that the massive celestial energies unleashed when Pentathos’ Gaffe was captured disrupted this ritual
enough to allow the One to be free.
Gendarme
stated that she could summon the Lock and the Keys that controlled the ritual
binding the Getragen and The One and that one of two
things could occur: First, she could unlock the ritual, which would allow her
to take Tendentious back to the Plane of Order whole in spirit where he could
be destroyed permanently but which would release the five ancient races. Alternatively, she could lock Tendentious
back into the ritual but then the Plane Touched would be able to draw even more
elemental power and become stronger, perhaps even as strong as The One had
been.
In
preparation for either of these choices she activated a summon artifact ritual
but something went wrong. The Lock
appeared (a small, immovable stone zigurat) but the
keys did not. Puzzled, Constabulary
Gendarme returned to the plane of Order to do further research.
Agonized over
such a choice, the adventurers and nobles debated for hours, and ultimately the
choice was made to unlock the Getragen. Many
adventurers spoke at great length on both sides of the issue but those present
at the debate, nobles and commoners alike, reached a consensus.
The five
keys, it was later discovered, started turning up all over Fortanis
– adventurers were led to them by Pentathos’
magical treasure finding map. After they had discovered all of the stones,
Constabulary Gendarme arrived and started to explain how they had triangulated
the positions of the stones and could begin to recover them when the map was
explained to her. She seemed satisfied, and several hours before dawn on
Sunday, she completed the ritual and unlocked the ritual. She left, then, saying that never again would
the Methodic Assembly interfere in this situation.
Several short
hours later the consequences of those choices began to reveal themselves. Three of the biata
that many recognized from the first time The One appeared came into Ashbury city to dicuss what had
happened.
The first was
Waygen Dahr who berated the
Ashbans for interfering in Getragen
affairs.
The second
was Matron Mahu Verstien
(Called Serine by the adventurers).
Matron Mahu gave further details about the
history of the Getragen, and warned Ashbury of the impending threat from the Dominion. She said
that she was grateful for a chance to join with the Ashbans
to perhaps truly destroy the Dominion rather than hiding it away.
The third was
Matron Mahu tried to sacrifice herself, but many held her back,
including Dame Glorianna. The battle was fierce
– but ultimately the Gryphon force was repelled and Skrisstien
spirit recalled from the field of battle.
Since this
group used necromancy, the decision to release them has caused much dissention
among citizens, many of whom were not present when the debate was held and the
decision made. In protest over this, former Lord Du’Gual
resigned his title, and other commoners have debated the wisdom of releasing
the biata.
So far, all
of the nobility have supported His Grace’s decision. Although
Sage’s Guild leader Cedric has expressed his disagreement, Healer’s
Guildmistress Zatarina has
been in support, and has tried to educate people about the biata
ways in order to aid the fight. The Mage’s Guild has, so far, remained
silent.
Within a
week, news arrived that four red-and-green feathered gryphons
carrying biata riders descended into the courtyard of
the
Similar
reports have come in from all over Fortanis and the
attacks seem to have occurred simultaneously. Culanni,
Amisara, Home, Dwarnaggar, Trollsgate, and even Galanthia
have all issued statements indicating that Gryphons
attacked centers of learning.
Decision to Free The One Causes Controversy
The Ashbury Times has been inundated with a number of Letters
to the Editor concerning the recent decision concerning the freeing of the biata, some of which are included here. His Grace has since
posted a Ducal Proclamation, which is reproduced below:
To All Icenia and All Tar Navaria,
Let it be
known that a deadly enemy has been destroyed.
Let it be known that brave and true peoples have been set free. But most
importantly, let it be known that a foul and vile evil has been released to
once again walk the lands of Fortannis.
I take the
responsibility for all three decisions. Although I did not make these decisions
alone, I held the power to override any decision made.
As the
ranking noble present, that was my perogative and the
burden falls upon my conscience and no other. It was a decision I knew would
draw the fanatical ire of those that pursue one evil over all others, of those
that pursue one evil over even the good of the innocent, that pursue one evil
to the very blindness of their own spirit.
I stand armoured in my righteousness and I stand prepared to
withstand the darts and barbs of those people. Doing what is right often
conflicts with doing what is safe and easy. I shall never choose the less
difficult path.
As I have
often told my nobles and squires, my soldiers and my charges:
We will not
always agree with those we trust and love. The love, the trust and the
knowledge we serve the same ends of chivalry, goodness and virtue shall keep us
united as friends and allies in the face of such disagreements.
Some of my
nobles may not have agreed with the decision made, but that does not change
their trust in me and their trust in my spirit and my motives. This may be said
of the soldiers and the tavernkeepers, the
blacksmiths and the council elders, the merchant and the general, whose trust
and love I have earned. Their faith in me shall not falter nor waver.
Those who
bowed to me in feigned respect to merely satisfy their own ends, those who were
fair weather friends and those that were always truly enemies but hidden behind
masks of civility and propriety, they shall surely attempt to make this an
opportunity to slander and libel my name and my honor. They will attempt to use
recent events as a catalyst for my undoing.
But it shall
not be so, as I know in my heart that I have earned much more respect and even
love than I have earned enmity within our borders and the borders of our
allies. Your lies shall not avail you and your deceit shall only lead to your
own misery.
I shall now
afford explanation, but I shall make no excuse for the decision made. I would
be a coward and a hypocrite if I did so now. I shall not retreat from the truth
of what has transpired.
The past as
well as the future has shown us time and time again that prisons do not endure.
The One escaped its cage. The gaffe was released from its bottle. Glantri’s vile and shrivelled
heart was all that was needed to return him to our lands. Dragons, both fair
and foul, have been released from millenia of
imprisonment upon Tar Navaria. Our beloved majesties
were released from their centuries long slumbers. Prisons fail, and this is fact.
The One
escaped from the very prison that the five biata
civilizations were trapped in. The five
leaders of these lands were released two years ago and have walked among us
since. There were cracks in the prison
that held their civilizations entombed. This is obvious.
What many may
not also know is that the prison was imperfect from its inception. All five
were required to agree of their own free will to be imprisoned. All five did
so, but only four truly did so willingly. The prison would not hold
indefinitely and had already begun to rupture.
The choice
was made to release all five tribes. Those of good heart and virtue are
released to once again walk in freedom, not only the leaders who made the
decision millenia ago, but everyone else from the
smallest child to the most venerated elder.
True
defenders of the weak should not be so single minded in their pursuit of one
evil that they ignore the plight of the innocent.
We have also
chosen the time of release. Be assured,
it would have happened someday and we would be craven cowards to let this evil
be released upon future generations who might not be as prepared or as strong
as we are now. Several of our enemies are newly destroyed.
Peace reigns
in much of Icenia, except for our beloved Trellheim. We have strong neighbors and allies. Far better to face the evil now than at a time when we, or worse
yet, our descendants are weak. The foul criminals that have been
released have not been paroled, they have been
released so that they may be led to their execution.
I stand by
the choice that was made and I bear no apologies to anyone. I would make the same
decision if presented with it again.
My enemies
within our borders will use this as an attempt to assassinate my character and
to harm me politically. I am prepared for you and welcome the fact that you
have been revealed in your treachery and true character. Many more know my heart and know the truth of
my service to all the land and all good people.
We shall stand together and fight the true evils.
In
Service,
Duke Sir
Frost Vardik
Other
letters on this topic follow:
Beloved
citizens of Icenia,
When the
decision was made to destroy The One, we chose the path to free these five biata civilizations. In our hubris and in our hope, we
sought to ally with the tribes who sacrificed themselves and help to vanquish
this evil, hoping to allow them to once again live free.
The decision
was made not without debate and a heavy heart, for indeed who would willingly
wish to spread the taint of chaos by releasing a tribe of people known for
their corruption and use of necromancy? For me it was and will never be an easy
decision, and it is one whose consequences will have ramifications upon every
one on Fortannis.
I know there
are those of you who despise the decision, who feel what was chosen was
reprehensible and not worthy of your nobility. I also know that even some of
the tribes freed, are aghast at what we have done.
But what is
done is done. And we have new allies on our soil to meet, and an enemy who has
shown that they are quite willing to continue their villainy even after so
terribly long.
Disagree with
what was done. Hate what was done. But I implore you do not stand aside idly.
Hate necromancy, and hate those who use its evil. But do not let the earth or
those who live peacefully upon it suffer because you do not agree with what was
chosen.
Though you
may feel we are not worthy of your blades, the people and the land are in need.
And I beg upon your goodness, and your inner nobility, your love of the earth
and your hatred for necromancy, to put aside your anger at the decision made,
and channel that anger to once again stand united against a foe who would harm our people and our land.
Let us show
any and all who would harm our soil and our children that we as one nation will
defend ourselves and set right the balance.
I do not ask
forgiveness for what was done, although I do hope one day your hearts may so
forgive. But for now I do ask that you do not allow innocents to suffer. Stand
true to your beliefs, but use them to aid the land in which we live.
Humbly and in
service,
Lady
Knight Glorianna Wyndancer
To Our
Esteemed Allies of Icenia,
It is with
heavy heart that Imladar has learned of the evil
unleashed upon Tar Navaria. Balancing freedom and liberty against
necromancy is not a choice anyone should have to face. Yet the choice was
presented and a decision was made. It
must be known that the lesser of two evils was not chosen. Whether the greater
of two goods was chosen remains to be seen and only future history will reveal
the truth and judge the choices made as fair or foul.
We cannot say
we agree with the choice made, but we shall stand with our Icenian
allies throughout the oncoming conflict.
Our knowledge, our magic, our arms and our hearts are at your disposal,
as yours were at ours during our time of greatest need.
In sadness,
yet in friendship,
Prince Gilthalion Thantellin
Voice of
the People
Adventurers
and nobles of Ashbury, and especially Vansir Halldorr and Child of Camulous Aven:
Your
sacrifice and aid will never be forgotten. Discussion is underway for a day of
appreciation to you, and remembrance for those who fell to The One. My people
are generally reserved with outsiders, and often too proud to ask for aid. But we have long memories to those we call
friend. Thank you.
Shoran Vardik, Council Elder
Ashbury:
How dare you
interfere and mock our sacrifice and decision! You were not asked to awaken us,
nor do you have any idea of the horror that you have unleashed upon this world,
a horror that was safely locked away for all time.
The Dominion
even now realigns its armies, mounting the Loweadler
von Entroyp and looking upon this world with the eyes
of conquest. I go now to return to my
people’s mountain home where we shall hide away from the rest of the
world and prepare our defenses as best as we can.
To my Vansir friends – you will be fondly remembered for
all of your assistance.
Waygen Dahr, Elder Getragen
von Braun
My friends in
Ashbury:
My people,
the Getragen, decided long ago that the Dominion was
too powerful to fight and we made a choice to enter an eternal slumber. It was never our intention to inflict this
Evil upon anyone else – and it is with a heavy heart that I go back to
our Massestien in the north. We awaken to find the lush valley that was
once to our south has been converted into a Bile Den of undeath
and monsters.
I was the
strongest supporter of this ancient plot to imprison us all, and my Clan put
the most resources into seeing it happen.
I have regrets now, though. My people were willing to sacrifice
themselves to stop the Dominion; the vote was nearly unanimous. I also feel
that the Getragen’s actions caused the deaths
of hundreds of innocents in a war that they were never a part of.
Spending time
among you since we five were awakened two years ago, I have seen heroism and
strength in a nation that did not exist in our time. Perhaps you will be able
to succeed in turning back the tide of the Dominion where we could not –
perhaps now we have the chance that we did not have in the past. I hope that together we may try.
Matron Mahu Verstien
“Serine”
Blaus Getragen
I will never
stand aside when necromancy is present. You know this already.
Consider this
... the nobility knowingly and willfully brought forth an entire
civilization of necromancers back into being.
My opinion is
meaningless. I know this. I accept this. However, as a High Ogre I will not
pretend to be glad in this. If we would strengthen a million soldiers only to
return one single necromancer to life, then we have made the wrong decision.
What is done
is done. Let us finish these foes quickly so that we can undo this awful
mistake.
Until I
Bring Back The Sun,
Dikembe
I was told
once by a wise man that if you feel the need to justify your decision, then you
already know you made the wrong one.
I know that
many speak only of supporting the nobles, regardless of whether or not you
agree with the decision. This is not duty, nor is it the law. There is a system
in place to deal with the nobility when they perpetrate actions so heinous that
they must be called to task for it. It has happened before, and it will happen
again. They are called Paladins, and they exist to keep the power of the
nobility in check.
Those of you
present at the decision, ask yourselves; if you objected, did you abstain from
casting a vote? Why?
For anyone
who wishes to dispute this, anyone whom actually knows enough history to create
an educated response, I have two words for you to ponder:
Alaric Dragonhart.
May those
without remorse bear the suffering of this atrocity.
Du’Gaul
It is a
dangerous thing to place an enemy in a box...call it a prison, a cell, call it
chained bound held or what have you...it still survives. Its evil survives, its
malice survives and more often than not the passing of years only deepens its
depravity. Some times a bound evil can seep and infect the land and the planes
and cause whole new dangers, dangers some can use as weapons.
I for one do not know how I could in older
years or years beyond life look at my descendants
should they suffer at the hands of forces I could have dealt with in my time.
No, success is never guaranteed, but failure is in effect guaranteed if we fail
to try.
Does not the
Code demand no less? Do not your children hope for no less? I shall give no less for my part and I shall see
you my friends in good short time and then let come what may for I will stand
by your side such as I have strength to do.
Simon
Neville
To all of Ashbury:
I most humbly thank you. You risked all to
stop an evil out to harm a race you know little about. The price we pay in the
future will be great. As for myself, I firmly believe the choice we made was
the only morally correct thing to do. In stopping The One the way we did, we
have released five civilizations of biata from
bondage, based on my understanding. To deal with them will take all our
tolerance and diplomacy.
I now plead
with you to place your trust in our nobles, even if you think it seems crazy or
contrary to other wants or needs. We have trying times ahead of us.
Guildmistress Zatarina
Galanthians Free Children of Camulous Refugees
On a rainy
Sunday, April 23, a Galanthian warship arrived in
Dockside under a flag of truce requesting that the council members Kerrigwen Melite and Zephrin Alfhild of the Children
of Camulous be brought for parley.
Sir Harrison
ran into
Satisfied
that the Council members had no prior knowledge of their intentions and with
the gathered adventurers in tow, they proceeded to Dockside prepared for
battle.
However, a
shock greeted them all; A Galanthian Sword of Lore
came out on deck and read a declaration from Empress Ariene
and General Lochabar that stated the following:
To the
Child of Camulous ruling body, known to be
temporarily housed in Ashbury: Council member Kerrigwen Melite, and Council
member Zephrin Alfhild.
The
Exalted Empress Arienne the First, her Radiance, and
her most noble and honorable General Lochabar hereby
release these refugees into your hands as a show of good faith to the Island
Nation of Camulous.
The ransom of five gold pieces per citizen has been paid in full with Galanthian generosity in the hope that our two nations may
find a mutually beneficial accord in regards to the foul Vaccarran
Corsairs who plague our seas and who enslave your people to hold them for
ransom.
Let it be
known that the hope of this gesture is that it may pave the way for an Alliance
against the Vaccarran Corsairs; wherein we would
gladly lend military and naval aid in wiping their abominable presence from
your Islands in return for which a mutually beneficial trade accord may be
reached and a further pact of mutual defense against our enemies.
Messengers
bearing your names will be given safe haven within Galanthia
Major, be they of any citizen race, Galanthia
welcomes it’s potential future allies with grace, dignity, and
Hospitality.
Long Live
Empress Arienne
Long Live
the Children of Camulous
In 603, many
Children of Camulous were mercilessly slaughtered in
a vicious attack by the Dur Namarie
elves and their armies of ogres, trolls, and orcs.
Barely escaping with their lives, many Children were captured on the high seas
by the Vacarran Pirates and held prisoner for ransom
but otherwise cared for.
Vacarran forces presently occupy the Islands
of Camulous. Apparently the Galanthians,
having fought the Vacarrans, had freed the prisoners
and were returning them to Ashbury.
Sunday
afternoon, bewildered at their freedom and blinking at the sunshine, several
Children of Camulous stepped from the cargo hold. Adventurers, first too shocked to act, surged
forward with warmth and kindness to guide them to dry land.
Assisted with
food, money, clothing, and weapons, they overcame their confusion and rejoined
with their people. Their spirits rose and within an hour they were dancing,
laughing and on their way to a tavern. One of the freed, who had been called
“Silence” by her companions because of her refusal to speak during
the ordeal, finally did voice her thanks to the adventurers of Ashbury, causing many tears of joy among those gathered.
The
adventurers then bade the Galanthians a stern
goodbye.
“This
is hardly a way to respond to an attempt to make peace,” stated the Sword
of Lore.
Sir Harrison
responded by threatening that if the ship did not leave immediately that they
would burn it, it to which the Sword of Lord said, “we
will leave when we are ready.”
Joshua and Amani Ranger Scarn were seen
eyeing up the ship and making plans for an assault as the Vansir
Halldorr jumped to the forefront and volunteered to
assist (ship destruction obviously being his forte), but the Galanthians wisely left swiftly as several adventurers
looked around for fire and tinder.
Sir Harrison
was later seen speaking softly with a number of adventurers apologizing for his
outburst and withdrawing Zephrin’s fine.
It is
unknown as to whether Ashbury will respond to this
offer of an alliance.
Glenrake Attacks
Forces from
the now defunct nation of Glenrake recently attacked Ashbury city. Though
the large majority of the force of undead had been repelled to a rally point
several miles to the north in the estate of Oldtown
by the Duke’s guard, it was not before damage had been done to the
northern wall by foul corpsipults leaving five
sections of the wall destroyed. Small
squads of undead began slipping through the cracks, literally, and attacking
the city.
Gathered
adventurers and nobles, under the leadership of Baron Indorian
and Dame Glorianna, were called upon to split up and
defend the breaches.
After a siege
that lasted almost an hour, reports began filtering in that the battle’s
leaders were headed towards Ashbury city. Squire Tellis
(former Amani Ranger, thought killed permanently two
months ago) of Blythedale was one of the undead
leading the assault! However, witnesses
say that he was being compelled to do so by another undead who was able to
vocally control greater undead.
Tellis was overheard begging to be slain as
the small force of very powerful undead briefly engaged the adventuring group
the Stormblades at their breach point before moving
into the Ash Forest.
Baron Indorian ordered adventurers to stay behind as he and his
remaining Squire, Jocelyn, gave chase into the
The adventurers
suffered no losses, though the Ducal forces were not
as fortunate. Not long after the battle,
Sergeant Hannit arrived in the City and escorted a
number of healers from the Ashbury Healer’s
Guild to travel on horseback to Oldtown to assist in
resurrections.
Dark Elves’
Defense of Lizardmen Brings Troll Attack Upon Ashbury
In
the early hours of April 23, 606 Icenia Reckoning, a lizardman youngling appeared in Ashbury
seeking out dark elves.
She
found Lord Find’rth of House Ryujima and quickly informed him that she and her two
brothers had been attacked by trolls. She had run and escaped, but feared her
brothers had been killed. She then bravely snuck after the trolls and found a
cave where they had set up camp.
The
youngling then found
the dark elven protectors and sought
lead them to the cave. Lord Find’rth, Kirilli, Saskia and Fiberon proceeded to
the cave.
Inside
they battled their way through troll fodder and even some cauldron born to the
troll leader. There they spoke with him and he revealed he was intent of
finding the hammer of the Undoer, which of course,
has been destroyed. He was also certain the lizardmen
had the hammer, which, of course, they do not. It is believed that a
cauldron-born head was left at the cave entrance as a warning to the trolls not
to enter the
Soon
after, the troll leader and his followers were seen in Ashbury
looking for dark elves. It seems they
wanted revenge for the gory warning. The Ashbans were
soon engaged in combat with them, as the trolls anger soon turned upon them.
Fortunately, the Ashbans were successful, and there
were no resurrections of Ashban heroes needed.
Lord
Find’rth and Terethrel
were later seen riding out of the estate furiously towards the north and west,
the direction of the
Meanwhile,
the Sage’s Guild is attempting to teach adventurers to deal with the lizardmen they encounter as being friendly unless they
prove otherwise. Lauroc
has been compiling a dictionary of lizardman phrases
so as to better communicate and prevent unnecessary battle.
14th
Annual Ducal Tournament to be Held
The 14th
Annual Ashbury Tournament will be held on the weekend
of the 12th and looks to be an exciting event. The competition is open to all,
noble and commoner alike, in groups of six.
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.
As previously
announced, there will be some changes in the rules this year.
Hunt:
One of the Hunt items will be “The most levels of healing.”
All teams are asked to contribute potions and elixirs at the start of the Tournament
which shall be used for healing during the Combat and Spellcasting
competitions.
Riddles: All teams will compete at the same
time, and will write their answers down.
Therefore, at least one person on the team must be able to read and
write.
Spellcasters: Spellcasters may use any spell except 9th level spells and
(obviously) illegal spells. You may cast healing and protectives
on yourself during the competition, but cannot use any items, scrolls, or
potions.
Combat:
Here there are major changes:
1. Both combat competitions will be done with
real weapons, provided by His Grace.
2. No armor will be allowed. Arcane Armor will be
breached before the combat and the wearer will not be allowed to repair it
between battles.
3. No magical items or rituals on the spirit may
be used during the tournament. An exception may be made for certain rituals
which have no effect on the battle. To be safe, you should inform His Grace of
all your rituals on your spirit long before the competition so that you are not
disqualified at the very last minute, forcing your team to find a replacement.
4. Participants may use whatever skills they
have, including shattering weapons or causing great damage to their opponents.
Obviously, no killing blows will be allowed.
5. No protective spells can be on you when the
battle begins nor can you cast any during battle.
6. No weapon coatings are allowed, including vorpal coatings or pastes of stickiness.
7. No ranged weapons are allowed.
As usual, Sir
Eros will be overseeing the Tournament, as well as preparing the Hunt items and
puzzles, accompanied by Squire Trevor.
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 must contain exactly six members.
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. 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
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
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
This
will be immediately followed by the submission of the Hunt list superlatives
and the announcing of the winners.
Amnesias Now
Illegal
The
alchemical elixir Amnesia is henceforth a restricted substance. Possession of this
substance carries a minimum penalty of a 1 gold coin fine and confiscation of
the substance. Production of this
substance carries the minimum penalty of 10 gold coins as well as confiscation
of all of the producer’s alchemical wares and labs.
Nobles
carrying the title of knight and above are permitted to carry, use and store
Amnesias for the purpose of defense of the Duchy and may grant others the right
to use the elixirs for specific purposes. Such permission must be in writing
and may be limited to specific time periods or for specific purposes.
Citizens are
hereby ordered to turn in existing Amnesia elixirs to he nobility and will be
compensated with 50 copper each or equivalent trade items for the next 90 days.
Beyond this time period the minimum 1 gold fine will begin. The production penalty begins immediately
without written consent by a person who is permitted in the use.
Corner of
Chivalry: Protecting the Weak; the First
Tenet
By Lord
Ivan Drake
The first
tenet of the Code of Chivalry states “Thou Shalt
Respect the Weak and Constitute Thyself the Defender of Them.”
But who are
the weak? Young children? The very
elderly?
Of course any
honorable, intelligent citizen would seek to protect these people.
What about
Duke Frost? He is undoubtedly a stawart warrior, but
what if he has fallen in battle and now lies motionless on the field?
Of course,
any number of loyal Ashbans would race to his rescue
due to his position of weakness. But it proves the point that
even the strongest among us can be in a situation where they are weak.
Fortunately,
many citizens of Ashbury are honorable and I would
say that it is rare that someone is left dead upon the battlefield. Just this
past Gathering, I know that on several occasions my prone body was dragged from
under the feet of the advancing enemy and healed, sometimes by people who
barely knew me. And that makes me proud of the people of Ashbury.
However, in
the wake of such honorable actions, I occasionally witness indifference on
behalf of the rescued.
Those who
were weak and subsequently saved owe, at the very least, a heartfelt offer of
gratitude to their rescuer. Perhaps not in the middle of the battle, but
certainly in the aftermath or, perhaps better yet, over a bottle of wine in the
Dragon’s Flagon.
And offering
to compensate the rescuer for the spells cast on their behalf is honorable.
Yes, there
are those who will say that casting such spells are their contribution to the
defense of the lands and I believe that is true. However, swinging my blade has
few limitations, save exhaustion, while spells are definitely a limited
commodity.
So, as we
strive to succeed in our everyday lives, let us all be mindful of the fact
that, at times, we are all weak.
And let us
also remember to thank those who assist us.
Note: Many years ago, Lord Ivan and his fellow
Paladins would contribute a monthly article titled “Corner of
Chivalry”. We at the Ashbury Times are proud to see this return.
Guild Reports
HEALER’S
GUILD
Huzzah!
Spring is finally here. Now with the weather turning warmer, the Healers Guild
is once again gearing up to serve our town.
We
are very glad in the success of our first “What’s in the Box”
Auction. Many of the adventurers joined in the festivities and helped us raise
money for the many charities the Guild supports.
Also,
the Guild would like to welcome our new adventurers, and encourage them to
visit the Healers Guild. We would also like to announce that the Guild will be
selling various potions during the tournament. Please seek out one of the Guild
Leaders (Zatarina, Lauroc
or Glorianna) and place your order. With the annual
auction coming up so quickly, and the use of marital quality weapons during
Fighter and Spellcasters combat, the healing potions
and protective will be in great demand. The guild has scores of potions, so
please, feel free to buy. Prices will be the standard one silver per level of
the spell. Discounts on bulk orders will also be included.
Additionally,
the Guild is currently seeking components to aid us in the eventual casting of
our new Ritual of Woe, which we gained during the Auction. We are also seeking
the catalysts and scrolls for the following rituals: Boost Enchantment, Copy
Formal Magic, Mark, Investiture, Controlled Spirit Store, Extend Duration,
Preserve Duration, and Permanence.
Finally,
the Guild will once again be providing water, some fruit and alchemical
sunscreen lotions to those participating in the Tournament, as well as
spectators. Due to the great fun of the Tournament, many people often forget to
keep hydrated during the games. Common signs of dehydration are the tightening
of the back of the throat, dry or cracked lips, dizziness and or nausea. If you
feel any of these symptoms, please immediately sit down and have a friend seek
out the guild.
In
Service,
Lauroc
DerWyrvenhaus
Assistant
Healer’s Guild Leader
MAGE’S
GUILD
The
Mage’s Guild is happy to announce that a new spell has been unlocked.
With the help of three adventuring groups, led by guild members Aria, Lauroc, and Cedric, we were able to get the final
components needed to cast a rare ritual.
Each
group had to brave a different plane of existence, such as the Plane of Fire,
Ice, and Lightning, to retrieve these components. Members of the Guild had
braved the elemental plane of Stone and acquired that component previously.
The
ritual was cast successfully and now the spell Elemental Shield is available to
celestial casters. Please stop by the Guild if you would like to copy this
spell into your books. We would like to thank all of the adventurers who risked
their lives to bring this spell to the celestial mages of Icenia.
As
always, we are available to teach all circles of celestial magic including
formal magic. The Guild also buys and sells ritual components and scrolls when
available. We can identify whether your items have magical properties (and
determine their value even if they don’t) and have spell ink available
for purchase. Guild members are available by appointment to cast rituals.
Please see the guildmaster to arrange times and
prices.
We
reserve the right to refuse to cast rituals with an
Obliteration as a possible backlash. Individuals seeking to join the
guild may speak to guildmaster William or may attend
any general Guild meeting.
William
Lennox
Letters
A Letter to
the Editor about Common Lizardfolk Interaction
The recent
shift in the weather has brought many visitors to
In my many
travels, I have often interacted with many different Lizardfolk
tribes in many different lands. When treated with respect, these beings can
become powerful allies, as those who follow Mishrak
have proven. The Lizardfolk language is very complex,
made of a series of soft slurred sounds, mixed with clicks and hisses. To those
unused to its nuances, it can be a very intimidating language. While the Lizardfolk language has many different dialects, there
seems to be a universal basic that all the Lizardfolk
in each land I have traveled to understands. Often the tribes have a few who
have learned the common languages of our Citizen races, but few of us have ever
returned the favor. Not all members of the Lizardfolk
can communicate with us, and this often leads to violent consequences.
The Sages
Guild has a complete list of the words I have learned. For those hoping to seek
a better understanding of the Lizardfolk language, I
encourage you to seek out the text. Hopefully this will allow us to avoid
further misunderstandings with these very noble beings.
Lauroc DerWyrvenhaus
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
Time once
again for the News They Don’t Want You to Know!
Baron Indorian and Kerrigwen have
been spending much of their time in each other’s company lately; in fact
it is rare to see them apart. It is also rumored that not only has the Baron
invited Kerrigwen to accompany him to the Ball but
has extended that invitation to join his Barony as well. I somehow doubt he
wants her there as his squire.
I have heard
rumors that Ulthoc has been speaking
ill of the people he so desperately wishes to represent. On numerous occasions, he’s insinuated
that all healers are necromancers. He has specifically targeted the Lempur with his ire in so many instances that Daedric has hinted intent to face him in a
duel to the resurrection. For someone aspiring to be a squire, Ulthoc’s not behaving like one.
The biata named Emilio had quite a conversation with Guildmisteress Zatarina.
He explained that where he was from, there were actually two versions of him,
each in a different reality. He asked Zatarina if she
could help him, but she didn’t seem to believe him and nothing was done.
It was later found out that this tale was a complete lie and Emilio turned
against Ashbury by joining the necromantic biata and fighting against the adventurers.
I am looking
forward to seeing who takes who to the Duke’s Ball at the Tournament!
Everyone who is anyone will be there. So until next time, remember: If you
can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Public Notices
THE DRAGON’S FLAGON is
under new and improved management! For your enjoyment, we are now offering
games of chance with proceeds to benefit Sir Ivan Drake’s Orphanage for
Wayward Children. For tavern employment or further details, contact Dreath Temar Nilethar
LET IT BE KNOWN henceforth
that any Children of Camulous refugees are welcome to
stay in any
IF ANYONE has any
information about the creatures with the glowing purple eyes that attacked
Ashbury last gathering, please let me know as it
concerns both me and my parent’s safety. - Semaj,
Fox Templar
REWARD FOR INFORMATION
regarding the whereabouts of one Nerrick Scaldren, formerly of the Lempuridan
Resistance. He was last seen four years ago in Saridbis.
Any information which produces evidence of his fate will be
rewarded. Please contact Cora if you have anything to share.
SUPPORT F.O.I.L.! The
RITUALS CAST for a moderate
fee. Seek Lady Knight Glorianna Wyndancer.
Vast experience in creation of Artifact quality items. Confidentiality
kept. References available upon request. Available for
spellcrafting: Damage Aura, Render Indestructable, Spirit Recall, Warder Glyph. Must make arrangements for all ritual magics
in advance.
NO CODE is seeking new
adventures to join their ranks. If interested please contact Malachi, Analia, Thermosis or anyone with
the white circle within the triangle, by messenger or in persona.
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.