Glenrake Declares War on Ashbury
by Oliver
Nirab
In the waning days of May,
just before the ducal tournament, His Grace Duke Sir Frost Vardik called all
nobles and adventurers present to the Dragon’s Flagon. Many noted a man traveling
with His Grace that was not recognized. Once the adventurers had gathered, His
Grace introduced the mysterious individual as Duke Rogan Ghoulreign of
Moorgrave.
As may or may not be known,
in the days before Glantri’s Curse had destroyed Icenia, the colony of Glenmoor
had been settled. Glenmoor was intended to become Icenia’s fifth duchy. After
the Curse of Glantri though, Glenmoor was seriously threatened by the monsters
of the Bile Dens. In order to survive, the nobility of Glenmoor turned to necromancy,
offered by a group known as The Brotherhood.
No one knows exactly what
caused the bitter civil war that now exists, but Glenmoor has been split by it.
Moorgrave is led by Duke Rogan, and their enemies the Glenrakes are led by Duke
Eddard Lichgate.
In 599, Duke Aramis sent the
paladin Sir Jaret Delair to Moorgrave and Glenrake to attempt to turn them away
from their necromantic ways. Apparently Sir Jaret’s efforts have not gone in
vain, as Duke Rogan came to Ashbury seeking assistance.
Duke Rogan says that he would
like to cease the necromantic practices of his lands, but that if he did the
Glenrakes would slaughter his armies. Duke Frost announced that he had not yet
come to a decision, but that he was leaning towards allying with Moorgrave.
Soon after, a ducal messenger
arrived in the tavern and informed His Grace that a delegation from Glenrake
was outside. As the nobles and adventurers were leaving the tavern, they came
upon two figures upon the road. They identified themselves as Baron Roric de
Haunt and Sir Thomas Wraithborn of Glenrake. The two demanded to speak to
Ashbury’s leader, and His Grace immediately stepped forward to address them.
The Glenrake nobles demanded
to know why Duke Rogan was in Ashbury. When informed that discussions of an
alliance between Ashbury and Moorgrave were in the works, Baron Roric asked
Duke Frost to reconsider and to stay out of the affairs of Glenrake and
Moorgrave. While not declaring an alliance with Moorgrave, Duke Frost made it
quite clear Ashbury would stand against any lands that so freely embraced
necromancy.
The Baron then declared war
upon Ashbury.
With those words, the figures
turned into undead before the eyes of the Ashbans through the activation of
some sort of magical belt.
Further, the town jail
suddenly started shooting off sparks and smoke, and turned into a large stone
crypt. A large amount of undead
began to pour from it.
The undead were defeated, but
the crypt could not be entered as it had a Domain of the Damned ritual upon it.
Duke Rogan confirmed that he
had seen these crypts during the long war with Glenrake, but admitted that he
did not know how to destroy them.
Throughout the next few days
undead continued to periodically emerge from the crypt, but each time they were
subdued by nearby adventurers.
In addition, a strange
necromantic hedge appeared just outside of the crypt. It attacked any who came
near it, using sharp acidic razor-sharp thorns. The Ashbans tried to subdue it
with bows and arrows, and then using spears to kill it from a safe
distance.
This issue quickly tied into
local news as well. High Sheriff Harrison Ryat had learned that The Brotherhood
was holding secret auctions to sell necromantic augmentations and items in
Ashbury. Apparently, the Brotherhood was also behind the clueless Ashbans who
had been petitioning the nobles of Ashbury to make necromancy legal.
Sheriff Harrison placed Town
Guardsman Osrick in charge of the investigation. With the help of many
townsfolk willing to engage in a series of sting operations, Guardsman Osrick
was able to break up several auctions and arrest at least two ringleaders of
this operation.
In addition, Osrick and
Lauroc deWyven-haus were able to capture a book that detailed many of the new
advances made by the Brotherhood in necromantic magic. Included in this foul
text were various techniques to destroy the crypt.
The discovery of the text was
reported to Baron Morgasander and then Lauroc, Squire Glorianna Wyndancer, and
Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous stayed up until dawn studying it.
By morning, the scholars had
a series of options and presented them to the nobles. The book itself would
allow the holder to recognize people into the Sanctuary of the Damned that was
preventing the adventurers from entering the crypt. Inside they would fight
endless numbers of undead while attempting to destroy the keystone of the
crypt, which was actually a corrupted beating heart. The quickest way to purify
the crypt was to impale the heart with a Stake of Woe. In order to help
facilitate this dangerous mission, Squire Gabriel Bruce of the Ash Forest had a
bone golem fashioned and his spirit stored into it, rendering him immune from
most forms of attack.
Also that morning a man
claiming to be from Falkirk was seen about town, introducing himself as Angus.
He talked to many of the nobles and townspeople at length. He was leaving town
when a large force of undead led by Roric de Haunt and Thomas Wraithborne
entered. The people of Ashbury were in the middle of warning him to run when he
too transformed to an undead, seemingly at the activation of a belt as well. He
then reported to Roric and told him exactly who the nobles were and about what
strength the Ashbans were at. He was later identified as a Colonel in the
Glenrake army.
A battle ensued in which
Roric was subdued and turned to dust. Thomas and Angus retreated into the
crypt.
Many adventurers traveled
into the crypt, led by Baron Morgasander and Baroness Glenduria. The fighting
was incredibly fierce, taking several hours for the Ashbans to push their way
to the heart and administer the Stake of Woe. In addition to the undead, there
were also large catapults made of bone which launched boulders toward the
adventurers.
Meanwhile, during the
fighting, Angus had slipped out of the crypt and lay waste to the few
adventurers who did not venture into the crypt. He was seen heading out of
town, but was followed by several adventurers. This resulted in the unfortunate
ressurection of one Canter Merrily.
Ultimately Angus stayed a bit
too long and was chased down and subdued by Sparticous, Raven Nevermore of the
Court of Nordenn, and Gilwing of the Black Forest. He had retaken his human
form before his “capture” but dissipated on the way back to town.
Inside the crypt, Squire Gabriel was finally
able to make a bold charge through the ranks of undead to stake the heart of
the crypt. Immediately the building began to crumble, and the adventurers
inside quickly bolted for the entrance. Fortunately, everyone was able to make
it out before the building imploded completely. There is now only a pile of
rubble where Ashbury’s jail once stood.
“It is very sad,” said Sir Eros, about his jail. “I lost a permanent Circle of Power there. But more importantly, many prisoners whose only crimes were petty thefts and the like lost their lives needlessly.”
Former Elven Hero, Cursed, Attacks Ashbury
In the days around the
Tournament, a pair of elves entered Ashbury seeking a member of the Court of
the Ash Forest. They were introduced to Lord Jonathan Dragonhart Vardik, but
respectfully asked to be taken to an elven noble from the Forest. Lord Jonathan
took them before Sir Du’Gual Mornavor and Baroness Glenduria Manyave.
There the pair reported that
they were from Kiri-Ashton, and that a huge force of shadowy figures had attacked
the estate. They seemed very afraid of any area of darkness and claimed the
creatures could come from anywhere. The elves also reported that they saw a
large undead leading the attack and that they had fled, coming to the city to
warn the nobles.
The Court of the Ash Forest
offered to put them up in the Five Lions Inn for the night, but the elves
stated that they planned to return to Kiri-Ashton to see if they could help,
despite the risk.
Baroness Glenduria began to
prepare an expedition for her court to travel to Kiri-Ashton but before they could leave, blackness
swarmed throughout the capital and dark, shadowy shapes attacked.
The attack caught the
citizens by surprise, as most were travelling to or attending a party and the
Ashbans were quickly routed.
The strange shadowy creatures
were indeed led by a mummified elven figure, but curing and undead harming
magics did not harm him. Ultimately it was discovered that it was a mummified
elf who had somehow been returned to life, presumably by a curse.
There were also two powerful
elven pantherghasts travelling with the cursed elf. When not chasing living
elves, they were seen gnawing on the legs
and arms of the cursed elf, who seemed to pay it little mind.
Raven and Scarn were able to
lure one panthergast away and into the other side of town and killed it with
help of Squire Gabriel, who spellcrafted a magic sword on the spot.
Meanwhile, the cursed elf
stood on the porch of a home, dead and dying Ashbans about his feet.
Sir Eros was in the building
attempting to lead an assault against the being, but whenever an attempt was
made, the creatures would surround the door, not allowing more than one or two
adventurers to be able to attack.
The cursed elf offered to
trade all of the dying Ashbans on the porch for any of the elves in the cabin.
Sir Eros refused to negotiate with an undead. However, Ciarrah and Elocin
begged him to allow them to trade themselves for the lives of the others.
After much deliberation, and
over the protests of Sparticous, Elocin and Ciarrah were allowed to trade themselves for the others.
True to his word, the cursed
elf tossed the eight or so non-elven Ashbans into the ward and took the two
elves in exchange.
He then killed them and put
them at the foot of the “spirit tree” placed in town by Mithrauko. Also under
the tree was Baroness Glenduria who had been killed earlier.
Throughout the fight, the
elven figure seemed to target elves, slashing them to pieces with a magical
sword of elven make and then killing them. Even as he was slaying the elven
citizens he seemed to be lamenting his actions. Further, it became obvious that he had no control over the
dark creatures.
Despite the elf’s reluctance,
when he slew an elf he would drag it to the Kanoredhil Tree. Since only elves
can come near the tree, this limited the amount of healers who could administer
Life spells to the downed elves. He also carried several other elves out into
the woods in other directions. It is believed Redcloud the wild elf dissipated
out in this manner.
Meanwhile, Scarn, Raven and
the celestial mage Star had attempted to lure away some of the dark creatures
and ran into a rather large force. They battled with them in the center of town
for quite some time, destroying many.
Scarn then snuck around to
the Kanoredhil Tree and found the dead bodies there. He Lifed Baroness
Glenduria, who then Lifed all the other elves who had been dragged there.
Unfortunately it was too late for Ciarrah and she was forced to resurrect.
The Baroness then hid below a
nearby building and waited for more bodies to be brought to the Tree. She was
able to avoid the creatures and Life whatever other ones were brought there.
Scarn then attempt to lure
away more of the shadow creatures but got run down by a large force of them and
the remaining pantherghast and was also ripped to shreds. The elven mummy stood
over Scarn until he dissipated. Baroness Glen later stated that Scarn was the
hero of the battle, and it was he who was ultimately responsible for saving the
lives of many through his brave actions.
Ultimately, Baron Morgasander
was able to fight his way to the building where many of the adventurers still
remained trapped with Sir Eros.
After parlaying with the
creature, he determined the
identity of the figure. From behind a ward, awaiting an opportunity to make
another push outside, the baron asked the elven figure whether he was
Sil-Galad, of whom rumors had been flying all weekend. The elf merely responded
“perhaps in another life I was,” and promptly crumbled into a pile of dust and
rotting bandages.
Without Sil-Galad, the
remaining shadowy figures were eventually defeated. The second pantherghast
eventually crumbled to dust as well. Unfortunately, the fight did result in at
least six resurrections.
Several ancient pages from a
journal uncovered by the Court of Nordenn from the dust that was the mummy
detailed the events surrounding Sil-Galad’s death and his burial in
Kiri-Ashton. A copy of the journal was given to the Court of the Ash Forest.
Baroness Glenduria and her court left for
Kiri-Ashton within the next few days, and reports indicate that the populace
there is much relieved at the presence of the baronial court.
There have been no further sightings of the cursed elf or the strange creatures.
Morganna Attacks, Looking for Dagger
by Oliver
Nirab
In the early months of
Ashbury, a pair of vampire hunters came to Ashbury. One was an elf named Kalathanis and the other a gnoll named
Serivus Loopshanks. Unlike many gnolls, this one seemed to be benevolent and
despise undead.
Throughout the next few days,
the pair led various Ashban adventurers to several sleeping vampires in the
area.
In addition to the mixed
groups that undertook missions to slay the vampires, the Black Forest and the Court of the Ash Forest were
conspicuous in destroying these monsters.
Several of the vampires
turned out to be gnoll vampires who were defended by gnolls, prompting
questions about their origins and whether this was the latest tactic of the
gnolls to attempt to recover their prophesied weapons.
Thanks to the vampire
hunters, the Ashbans were able to permanently destroy six vampires in all.
Unfortunately, this apparently prompted the powerful vampire dragon mage
Loscarnos de Morganna to attack Ashbury with a large army of undead and gnolls.
Morganna said he was searching for a magical dagger that he claimed was stolen
by Ashbury adventurers, as well as an answer as to why his “children” were
being killed. The Ashbans attempted to defend the town against Morganna, but they
were scattered by the vampire’s army and personal might.
Morganna’s “investigation”
took him to the manor house of the Black Forest and the home of the Court of
the Ash Forest. Baroness Glenduria refused to let Morganna into her home and
the vampire destroyed the Ward. Thinking fast, Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric
Fruvous, seeking refuge in the Ash Forest manor, quickly cast another.
Unfortunately, Morganna destroyed that one too and invaded the building. At one
point Cedric, Kuwo Mushtee, and Baroness Glen forced Morganna to pull back and
regroup, but Morganna quickly gathered another force of his undead and took the
manor house, taking down those inside.
Eventually, after most of
Ashbury had hidden behind their Wards, Morganna left without the magical dagger
he sought.
It has since been learned
that the dagger in question is thought to be the one referred to in the gnoll
prophecy. This, coupled with the presence of gnolls in Morganna’s attack force
suggests some form of alliance between the vampire and Gnashtooth, the gnoll
leader. The current whereabouts of the dagger are unknown.
The day after Morganna’s
attack, many adventurers were led by the elven vampire hunter to a location
where they believed a specific vampire was. The vampire in question had bitten
Baroness Talin Gildenlily and Darlassia in a sneak attack late Friday night.
The destruction of the vampire would free them from being controlled by the
monstrosity. During the attack it was revealed that the elven vampire hunter
had been enthralled to the vampire at some point and he was subdued. The
vampire was destroyed by the adventurers though, and Baroness Talin and
Darlassia were freed from its taint.
Later in the month, near the
time of the Tournament, another force of undead marched into the city. At first
it was believed that the undead had emerged from the crypt that was created by
the Glenrakes (see related story), but they identified themselves as servants
of Morganna. The undead demanded the return of the dagger and that Scarn
Whiteleaf and Squire Gabriel Bruce, both of the Court of the Ash Forest, be
brought before them to be executed.
Baron Morgasander faced down
the undead and his only response to their demands were “come and get them.”
The baron then led the Ashbans in the battle
and handily destroyed Morganna’s minions.
At this time it is unknown what Morganna’s next attempt will be, as well as why he seeks the dagger that is so important to the gnolls.
10th Annual Tournament Ends in Two Ties!
For the first time since the
Tournament was begun by Duchess Mara ten years ago, there was a tie for first
place.
There have been ties for
lower places before, and, surprisingly, there was one this year as well.
The two noble teams tied for first this year, which seemed to
please His Grace tremendously (although he seemed disappointed that Blythedale
did not enter a team).
The Ash Forest team, led by
Sir Du’Gual, tied with the Nordenn team led by Baron Morgasander, with 31
points each.
Tied right behind were the
Black Forest team and a group of biata from Thrommel calling themselves “The
Biata Assembly.”
Also participating was
Valentine’s Performing Company, a touring theatrical group, and The
Thunderbringers, a group consisting mostly of vansir which, even by their own
admission, did not put too much of an effort into the competition.
Each competition was worth 5
points for the winning team, with second place receiving 4 points, and so on.
The Biata Assembly won the
first competition of Colors, although His Grace stated that the decision was very
difficult, as many of the teams presented themselves very well and most showed
new tabards, banners, and other finery.
The Biata Assembly did cause
a bit of controversy during their presentation by stating that the citizens of
Thrommel remained loyal to His Grace while those of other biata councils had
removed their support over a year ago in the Slavetamer Incident. Other teams were a bit worried
because the biata team appeared to have a gryphon (in biata form), and true to
their worries, this was an issue during a later competition.
The Battle competition was
won by the Black Forest team who
worked well together. The Ash Forest placed second but was one point ahead in
the Tournament at that point.
The Hunt list was then handed
out, and groups spent the next twenty six hours or so frantically trying to
figure out the puzzles and clues to obtain the most items first.
Nordenn carried the
Entertainment portion with a spoken editorial about working together to defeat
our enemies, although there was some grumblings from some in the audience who
felt it was self-serving. The Ash Forest placed second again with a hilarious
skit about “Scarnderella” and featuring Kuwo as the “fairy gorbefather.”
Riddles was next, and a
strong showing by the Biata Assembly surprised many. The Ash Forest placed
second for the fourth time in a row, but were at this point two points ahead of
Nordenn.
The Race was held on the
following day, and Nordenn won handily. The Ash Forest came in fifth, meaning
Nordenn was now in first place for the Tournament overall.
Next was the Spellcaster’s
battle, which was more of a dance than a competition. At one point, all
contestants merely walked in a circle, none willing to attack the others.
Obvious alliances had been made, and it was hardly the kind of competition
expected. His Grace gave the participants a stern lecture afterwards, stating
his displeasure at some of the poor sportsmanship he observed.
After the Spellcaster’s
Battle, Ash Forest was once again in first place but only by one point.
Archery was next, and His
Grace tried out all the arrows first, hitting many bulls-eyes. In comparison,
even some of the duchy’s best archers looked poor. This competition ended with
a tie for first place between Raven of Nordenn and Redcloud of the Black
Forest. A further match was given to the two, and Raven was victorious. Sir
Du’Gual of the Ash Forest placed third, Sylvia of the Biata Assembly was
fourth, and Sparticous of Valentine’s Company was fifth.
The Archery competition
pushed Nordenn back into first place, leading the Ash Forest by one point. The
Tournament was up for grabs, and bookies threw up their hands in despair as it
became more and more difficult to predict the eventual winner.
The Hero’s Battle was next,
and Sparticous of Valentine’s Performing Company was the winner. This was the
only competition that the actors won in the Tournament. Nordenn placed second.
Nordenn was now ahead by two
points. The Hunt would decide the winner.
The Ash Forest handily won
the Hunt with 80 Hunt points. Not too far behind was Valentine’s Performing
Company with 71 Hunt points. Nordenn placed third with 47 Hunt points.
This gave the Ash Forest
their only individual tournament win but brought them up to tie with Nordenn
for the first place position. Both had 31 points overall.
Then, in a strange twist of
fate, there was also a tie for the next position, as both the Black Forest and
the Biata Assembly had 23 points each.
Not too far behind them was
Valentine’s Performing Company with 21 points and in far last place were the
Thunderbringers with 6 points.
The Ash Forest and Nordenn
teams then decided among themselves how to split the rewards, with the Ash
Forest taking a magical weapon and Nordenn taking a magical Ward item.
Some of the Tournament items
proved to be quite difficult for the teams.
“Since many people don’t give
a rat’s ass about the Tournament,” said Sir Eros, “that was the first
item.” Valentine’s group was the
first to find a giant rat and retrieve its posterior for that particular item.
As usual, there was a word
search puzzle. And of course there was no clue as to what words to be searched.
Groups soon realized however that the found words were the first names of all
of the people in the new “Who’s Who in Ashbury” written by Brindaria Tir’Kanir.
Certainly the one missing would be “Who Isn’t Who” which was the item on the
list.
The missing person turned out
to be Sheriff Harrison but apparently no group solved it in time to turn him
in.
After solving the puzzle, the
remaining letters told how to solve another puzzle item called “The Dance of
the Marionette.”
At the top of the Hunt list
were some symbols which could be translated to solve the “Cat’s Sup” item.
There was also a poster with jumbled letters that if the letters were read
based on their colors would tell one that to solve “The Foppish King” you
should turn in a dandelion.
Other puzzles were solved by listening to
rumors overheard in the tavern and comparing those rumors with some other
people had heard.
|
Ash Forest |
Nordenn |
Black Forest |
Biata Assembly |
Valentine’s |
Thunderbringers |
Colors |
4 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
Combat |
4 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
Entertainment |
4 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
Riddles |
4 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
Race |
1 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
Spellcasters |
3 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
Archery |
3 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
Hero's Battle |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
The Hunt |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
TOTAL |
31 |
31 |
23 |
23 |
21 |
6 |
Silva Appears in Ashbury, Is Tried for Murder
The dark fey and minion of
Black Annis known as Silva returned to Ashbury in the early days of May. His
appearance, however, was in a much different manner than Ashbans have become
accustomed.
Early Friday evening, Royal
Healer’s Guildmaster Onyan announced that someone was resurrecting, but he
didn’t know the person.
A few adventurers, including
Scarn Whiteleaf, Issalaura, Cedric Fruvous, Healer’s Guild Mistresses Shya
Corak and Lhasa Skamar, offered to be present at the resurrection in case the
person turned out to be hostile. Once resurrected, the adventurers immediately
recognized the evil fey Silva.
Those present quickly
gathered Baroness Glen and Sir Eros and began questioning Silva.
The dark fey informed the
assembled Ashbans that he had been turned into a human and slain by the
Unseelie fey court because he did not support the plan to bring Black Annis
back from her imprisonment. When pressed about the plan, he claimed that he did
not know any of the details, but that it involved Glantri.
Silva told the Ashbans that
he had chosen to resurrect in Ashbury to help the adventurers thwart the
Unseelie court.
Silva was informed that he
would be allowed to help if he wanted, but that he would have to stand trial
for murdering the Ringmaster of the Planar Carnival back in 600. Sir Eros
stated that he didn’t wish to hold the trial until he had consulted with Duke
Frost. Silva was secured in the jail for the evening.
The next day His Grace and
Sir Eros conducted the trial.
Silva defended himself by
claiming that he was controlled by Black Annis when he slew the Ringmaster, but
Ashbury law states that mental control is not a viable criminal defense unless
it is substantiated by a reliable witness. As a result, Sir Eros found Silva
guilty of murder, but waived the many other charges from when he fought against
Ashbury.
Silva asked what was more
important, seeing that Annis was not freed, or executing him. Sir Eros
responded that he would not show special treatment, and that Silva had to pay
for his crime.
Sir Eros added that if the former fey wished
to aid Ashbury after his sentence he would be welcome to. Silva was very angry
at the thought of being killed again, and seemed to infer that if he were
executed he would not help Ashbury, though he never came right out to make such
a threat.
Silva was executed and did resurrect. Whether he chooses to aid Ashbury in the future or not remains to be seen.
Mists Activity Increasing
The mists have begun taking
adventurers in increasing numbers recently. In one such instance a group
including Ciarrah, Aldric Harrington, and Ikmoqs were taken to a strange land
called Kurzinnor. They found themselves outside a prison camp. The adventurers
were eventually able to free the prisoners.
In another incident, Kuwo
Mushtee of the Court of the Ash Forest, Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous,
Mage’s Guildmaster Phrodiet Amourti and the wizard known as Star were taken
late Sunday eve.
The four found themselves
upon a war-ravaged countryside with only one building intact. Lacking any
weapons or armor, the quartet warily entered the building. They arrived just in
time to see a slave auction about to begin. The auctioneer was a deep troll and
the bidders were all monster races as well.
The four quickly learned that
they were in Kurzinnor. When the deep troll asked why they were present, the
Ashbans quickly stated that they were interested in buying the slaves.
The four realized that they
were ill prepared to fight the auctioneer and the customers, so they pooled
their money and were able to buy three of the four slaves. The one they were
not able to purchase left with his buyer and while Cedric bid and haggled on
the next slaves on the auctioning block, Star, Kuwo, and Phrodiet quietly
slipped outside to slay the slaver and free the unfortunate slave.
Once all four slaves had been
rescued, most of the monsters left the building and the remaining gnoll was
quickly dispatched. The quartet began to escort the slaves back to friendly
lines when the mists took them again, returning them to Ashbury.
It seems that the mists were
working to bring some people to Ashbury as well as taking them from it.
Recently a dark elf entered
Ashbury identifying himself as Mazareth Shirakou and claiming to be an undead
hunter from the lands of Moria.
He informed the Ashbans that
he had tracked a foul vampire through the mists and requested assistance in
slaying them. The vampire in question apparently served a greater vampire named
Kimber Dion, who is a well-known enemy to the Empire of Arandan.
Squire Gabriel and Lauroc
deWyrvenhaus were among the adventurers who went. The fight turned out to be
much more difficult than anticipated, and Lauroc was nearly obliterated.
Ultimately reinforcements were fetched and the vampire was killed.
Why the mists are suddenly more active is
unknown and given the strange nature of the phenomenon itself the cause may
never be learned. Nonetheless, it has many people concerned. “What if it starts
taking regular folk?” asked local farmer Kevis Galron. “Adventurers can defend
themselves when they’re suddenly snatched from their homes and dropped into
combat, but most folk don’t know how to use magic or weapons!”
In spite of Goodman Kevis’ concerns though, there
is no documented account of the mists taking anyone who is not trained in some
form of magic, alchemy or weapon.
Guild Reports
MAGE’S
GUILD
by Phrodiet
Amourti, Guildmaster
I am adjusting well to my recently
appointed position as Guildmaster of the Ashbury Mages’ Guild. I have finally
met a number of the local guild members, and I feel the guild will have a
strong future.
I wish to announce the formal
advancement of Cedric Fruvous to Senior Guildsman. Cedric has been invested in
the Mages’ Guild permanent circle of power and is now able to perform all guild
duties including the identification of magic items, and formal interviews of
those seeking apprenticeship within the guild. My congratulations and
appreciation to Cedric for his continued efforts and dedication to the guild.
I hope to meet the many other
Ashbury Mages’ Guild members sometime in the near future. We will soon begin to
hold regular guild hours, and will announce what those hours will be as the
information becomes available.
Anyone interested in
petitioning the Mages’ Guild for membership should contact me at my guild
building in Ashbury proper.
HEALER’S
GUILD
By Onyan
Hasseo, Guildmaster
I am proud to say that I have
appointed Shya Corak as the guild mistress of the Ashbury Healer’s Guild. I am
sure she will do a fine job and help restore the guild to its former glory.
Along with Shya, the guild
also welcomes three assistants: Lhasa, Loric, and Glorianna.
I have been the guildmaster for
a little over a year and would like to explain my plans to the people of
Ashbury. I have noticed while meeting with the guild heads in all four duchies
that there has been no standard guidelines set forth to govern the daily
operations of the guilds. I am hoping to change that. Shya and I will be
working very closely to shape up the guild and bring it to an efficient working
state. After the guild has been brought to a level Shya and I agree upon, this
guild will become the standard for all healer’s guilds in Icenia.
As I am a busy man, Shya will
be running the guild and all requests for the Healer’s Guild should be directed
towards her. If you feel this is a matter that you would like to speak to me in
private about send a missive and I will respond as soon as I can.
I have attached the Healer’s
Guild Code of Conduct for all who missed the ceremony:
All members
shall strive to better themselves and learn all aspects of earthen magics. They
shall provide aid and support for all who require healing, regardless of
stature or standing in the lands. Their allegiance is first and foremost to the
people of Icenia and their well being, regardless of any obligations to guild
or court. Their first responsibility to the people is to assist the sick and
heal the fallen.
All members
shall never cast necromancy. While in the guild, they shall research necromancy
and become familiar with the dark magic. Members are expected only to learn all
the necromantic spells and learn all the effects of the said spells, never to cast
them. Any casting of necromancy will result in immediate removal from the guild
and the caster will be subject to prosecution under the laws of Ashbury.
All members
shall not cower at the face of danger. They shall approach danger smartly and
swiftly and help destroy evil in the land. They shall provide information on
earthen magics to anyone who needs this information. Members shall also teach
the magic they practice to anyone who asks and not expect any type of
compensation.
All members
shall display behavior in accordance with all laws of Ashbury and will not
harbor any criminals and/or monsters within the guild. Nor shall they store any
stolen items within the guild. Doing so shall result in removal from the guild
and prosecution under the laws of Ashbury.
The guild
shall provide potions and ritual casting services for the people. The guild
will also purchase illegal items of an earthen nature in order to have them
destroyed.
Resurrections
will be provided at no cost. A donation box is to be placed within the healer’s
guild and donations will be accepted for resurrection services.
by Lauroc
DerWyrvenhau
Overall it has been a quiet
month since the defeat of the Brotherhood of Necromancers, and all the other chaos
that visited us recently. To those adventuring abroad over the warm summer
months, please prepare for the coming summer by ensuring you have plenty of
fluids on hand to avoid dehydration. A wise Guildmistress once said, “Hot
sweaty barbarians are one thing, but not when you have to drag their passed out
arses back to the guild!”
The Ashbury Healers guild
would like to thank the Baronies
of Norden and the Ash Forest and other individual commoners, such as Sages
Guildmaster Cedric for their tireless efforts in foiling the evil machinations
of the Brotherhood of Necromancers. Without the constant sharing of
information, and following the Chain of Command, all our efforts to defeat them
would have been ruinous.
To all adventurers, should
you recieve any more information pertaining to the Brotherhood, or discover any
Necromantic Items, please report and deliver them immediately to the Healers
Guild so we may deal with it appropriately. The Guild will pay market prices
for Necromantic items such as Ritual Scroll and potions. Turn your
disappointment into profit and help us all by assisting in these vile things
destruction.
Anyone is welcome to
interview for membership within the Guild. Please stop by the guild or send a
correspondence to Schedule an appointment with any of the leading members.
Guild services have now
expanded to, potion and elixir buying/trade, Ritual identification and casting,
Resurrection, Registering for Resurrection Story and Resurrector compatibility,
spellbooks and Inks, training and teaching of Healing and Earthen Magics.
Please remember that the
Guild is no longer requiring a gold for resurrection. All our Resurrections
will be free. However we implore you to kindly donate, and often, to your local
Guild, so we may continue to provide our services.
Ritual Casting and some
Ritual scrolls and Spellcrafting is also available for rent. Please check at
the guild for more information and to make a reservation for this Service.
We thank the people and
visitors of Ashbury for making us your guild. Keep yourselves well.
SAGE’S
GUILD
by Cedric
Fruvous, Guildmaster
The Sage’s Guild is pleased
to announce the promotion of Kuwo Mushtee to the rank of Guardian. He has
embraced the spirit of what it is to be a sage and his promotion is well earned.
The Sage’s Guild is currently
looking into many matters that may be of importance to the adventuring populace
of Ashbury. Primary among them are: the Gnoll Prophecy, the Crix, the recent
attack by Sil-Galad, the Book of the Dawn, the gray goblins, and Penthathos’
(or Ator’s) Gaffe. If you have questions about any of these issues, or have any
information about them please stop by and speak with us.
The Sage’s Guild sells Wards
at the price of one gold crown or Wizard Locks for five silver nobles. We guarantee
discretion as to which you purchase. If interested, send a missive to
Guildmaster Cedric to reserve your Ward or Wizard Lock. They are given on a
first come first served basis.
If you should find yourself
without your spell book or alchemy book, we rent the use of ours for three
silver nobles.
The Sage’s Guild also buys and sells potions,
armor, weapons, alchemy, reagents, wine (when available) and practically any
other legal goods. Also at the Sage’s Guild you can be taught nearly any skill,
and if no one in the Guild knows the skill you want to learn, we will arrange a
lesson with someone outside the Guild hierarchy. We also offer ritual casting,
use of the library research for hire, and legal services.
The Sage’s Guild is currently looking to purchase a Limited Circle of Power scroll, as well as Investiture, Lore, and Vision scrolls. If you have any of these scrolls and are interested in selling them please contact us.
Ducal Proclamation
People of Ashbury,
Let it be known that Emery
Memminger has been stripped of all title, rank and privileges of a noble. His
dereliction of duty and gross insubordination have caused this revocation of
his noble status and any and all military or guild ranks. He is not to be
addressed as anything more than his given name.
Let it be known that the
being known as Glantri has been stripped of his station as squire and any and
all other ranks he may have formerly held. His whereabouts are currently
unknown and he is considered a threat to the Duchy of Ashbury and to the Kingdom
of Icenia.
Let it also be known that I
am most displeased by much of the behavior in the Ducal Tournament. As it is a Ducal
tournament, it is a direct reflection of myself and any and all behavior in
this Tournament is either a compliment or an insult to me. I have seen many
more insults than compliments this past Tournament. Especially disappointing
was the behavior of several people in the spellcasters battle. In future
tournaments I plan on immediately disqualifying people for such behavior.
Now onto some good news.
Let it be known that recently
there have been three squirings in the duchy. Lieutenant Trevor Donovan has
become squire to myself, Duke Sir Frost Vardik, as well as my seneschal. Glorianna Wynddancer has become squire
to His Excellency, Baron Morgasander of Blythedale and Gabriel Bruce has become
squire to Her Excellency, Baroness Glenduria Manyave. These three now represent
the Duchy of Ashbury and their various lieges in all their words and actions.
In Service to Ashbury,
Duke Sir Frost Vardik
Letters
During the weekend of the
Tournament, strange things came into our lands to do harm to our citizens. And
because we stood together, we prevailed. We lost a few lives, but none of them
permanently.
Most of the battles we fought
were mediocre as far as tactics go. Several times I gave orders and only
most of you listened. I don’t know if it was because of the sounds of
combat drowning me out, or your own ignorance or fear. If this happens again,
you will be dealt with. I realize that not many of you are military types, but
if we are to continue being successful on the field of battle, my orders are to
be listened to and adhered to when I am in charge of the field.
Also, when there are hostiles
about, and you are out of spells, gasses, weapons, etc., do not think that you
are useless. On one occasion, in front of the actors’ cabin, when we were
making a push, I yelled at someone who was behind the ward to get down and
help. This person said that he was out of spells and was useless. This disturbs
me, for in battle, I have seen farmers without weapons dragging wounded and
fallen bodies back to the healers so that they might return again to the
battle. Everyone is capable of this .... even the casters without spells.
All in all, I was proud to walk away victorious with my
fellow Icenians and other travellers when the days were done. We fought many a
foe from many a place, and again we were victorious. Huzzah to you Ashbury!
In Honor and Justice,
Baron
Morgasander
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and
gratitude to you all for displaying the utmost of hospitality towards the
representatives of my homelands; Lady Honor Chivillas of House Chivillas, Lady
Larassa Shirakou and Healer’s Guildmaster Mazereth Shirakou of House Shirakou
during their visit to Ashbury City. It is my hope that this will be the first
of many visits made by representatives of the Arandin Empire to the Kingdom of
Icenia in the prospect of fostering favorable relations between our two great
nations.
Lord Knight Aldric Wyndancer
Pretera Harrington
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
Time for the latest Real News!
Baroness Glenduria has
been receiving a lot of flack from the other nobles because of the behavior of
her court. Duke Frost was especially displeased at Sir Du’Gaul’s
behavior during the Tournament. Some whispers indicate that she may be in the
market for a new court if they don’t shape up!
And the nobles aren’t the
only ones miffed at Du’Gaul. Apparently many commoners are upset that while the
town was being slaughtered by Sil-Galad, he was getting his magical
sword created in the Mage’s Guild. Speaking of that fight, I’ve also heard that
it was Sir Eros who realized that the elf mummy was Sil-Galad, but
apparently Baron Morgasander has taken the credit for figuring it out.
Anyway, speaking of the
Tournament, there were many grumblings and backroom complaints over what is
supposed to be a cheerful event about honor and tribute to His Grace. And when
Sir Eros says that the Black Forest was one of the most honorable teams
in the competition, you know something’s up!
Speaking of the Black Forest,
Sparticous and Paythin recently left the Black Forest, but they
weren’t given back the Black Unicorn treasury that they had contributed when
they first joined. Sparticous and Gilwing nearly resorted to an honor
duel to solve the disagreement. I’m told that Baron Morgasander helped to
resolve the situation without bloodshed.
Word has it that Cedric is
trying to do business with the Black Forest for a couple of Vision scrolls they
have. Didn’t they want to kill him? I guess you don’t have to be smart to be
head of the Sage’s Guild!
Anyway, back to the
Tournament: As usual, my favorite part was the Entertainment competition. The
Ash Forest skit was going great until Lord Jonathan forgot his lines and
the whole thing fell flat. They probably would have won if not for that,
because Kuwo was hilarious. The Black Forest skit was funny too, but you
couldn’t hear much of what they said. Perhaps all teams should take acting
lessons from Valentine’s company. Of course, their skit wasn’t that good, so
maybe not. It mostly consisted of Morganna leering at someone lustily. If I
want to see lustful leering, I can just visit some MWEs I know!
There was some concern
recently over Lauroc becoming a member of the Healer’s Guild since he
apparently has a tendency to recognize monsters and people he doesn’t know into
the circle and is rumored to have cast necromancy. And then there is that
necromantic scroll that was “stolen by goblins” while he was on duty in the
guild earlier this month…
It seems that Her Grace
Duchess Dara has been a bit under the weather as of late, but it seems
to be mostly in the morning. Perhaps our beloved Duke and Duchess are on their
way to producing an heir.
A large boisterous barbarian
named Threy came to Ashbury to visit his friends Ator and Llewellyn.
It seems they had quite a good time in the tavern at the Duke’s table with Tova,
Keely and two gypsy sisters. Something kept being said about
“reinforcing the longhouse” and “vansir dancing.”
Whoops! Out of room again. Until next time remember: If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Public Notices
FOR
SALE: One Blacksmith Forge. 8 Gold. –Ashbury Sage’s Guild
WE ARE LOOKING for any
type of Ritual scroll as well as reagents and cats. Feel free to contact any
member of House Black Forest. Will also be willing to trade.
IF ANY ONE is in need
of any type of repairs of any type of stone feel free to contact me. All
repairs are free. - Gilwing-
PEOPLE
OF CONNOR: I am told that the fire cloud known as Penthathos’ Gaffe has
recently attacked your estate. If anyone saw which direction it was heading,
please contact Cedric Fruvous at the Sage’s Guildhall in Ashbury City. I know
how to stop it, but I must find it first!
THE SPELL Lesser Investment has been unlocked. If you are interested in adding this spell to your book stop by the Ashbury Mage’s Guild!