New Treaties Signed
Duke Sir Frost Vardik recently announced the signing of new
treaties with allies. His announcement follows:
People of Ashbury,
Several treaties have recently been recognized as official
between Icenia and other good and noble nations of Tar Navaria. The
ramifications of these treaties will be explained below, as well as the
etiquette in addressing the nobles of these lands when they are in Ashbury and
Icenia.
Also be aware that citizens of Ashbury are not bound by law
to obey orders from nobles of these other lands, though respect should be shown
to them at all times and their opinions and orders should be considered at all
times. These nobles may also order their own people as they see fit without
interference form Ashban and Icenian nobles.
All nobles of these lands must obviously still obey the laws
of Icenia.
I will start with our oldest and firmest of allies, the
nation of Trollsgate, led by King Kelanor. King Kelanor and his people have
stood by Ashbury and now Icenia’s side staunchly and through many crises.
King Kelanor himself is to be bowed to by Ashbury’s barons,
knights, lords and commoners when in our lands. Knights of Trollsgate are to be bowed to by commoners as if
they were a knight of our lands. Knights of Trollsgate are required to bow to
anyone of baronial status or higher while in our lands.
Imladar, our besieged but steadfast ally is led by Queen
Celwen and her two brothers, Prince Gilthalion and Prince Valdorian. The queen
and the princes are to be bowed to by anyone of baronial rank or lower while
they are in Ashbury. Knights of Imladar are to be bowed to by any below the
rank of lord. They in turn are required to bow to anyone of baronial rank or
higher while in Ashbury.
I am pleased to announce an official treaty has been approved
by myself, King Gareth and the Obsidian Prince of Tarzaterranzan, proxied by
Lord Find’rth T’Varian of House Ryujima. We welcome this most honorable and
powerful ally.
The ranks of nobility in Tarzaterranzan were a bit harder to
fit into the Icenian system and explanations and negotiations have led to the
following. If in Icenia, The Prince and his ten high advisors are to be bowed
to by any of baronial rank or below.
The Prince’s official title is Itzpillon and his advisors are
titled as K’zutli. The Xitzins or “Lords” of Tarzaterranzan are to be bowed to
by any below the rank of lord and are to bow to any of Baronial rank or higher.
It is also my decree that the dark elves of Tarzaterranzan may bow at the waist
as is their tradition, but must remain in said posture until told to rise.
Lastly, I shall discuss the land of Home. If and when their
queen visits, she is to be bowed to by any of baronial rank or lower. However,
no one is required to bow to a lord of Home while they are in Icenia.
These are my decrees and the decrees of King Gareth. They are
considered as law. I have also been made aware that some citizens and visitors
from other lands are less than happy with “all the bowing” done in Ashbury.
Etiquette, respect, order and discipline all go hand and
hand. I am committed to having a safe and lawful land, both in Ashbury and in
Icenia. This is my will and the will of the royalty of Icenia.
Duke Sir Frost Vardik
In other possible treaty news, Duke Frost has recently
returned from Moorgrave. What he has seen or heard there he seems to be keeping
to himself. No word of any official treaties or offers of aid has yet to be
heard. It is rumored that Moorgrave will be sending high ranking officials to
Ashbury for training in alternative methods of warfare besides necromancy.
Pentanthos’ Gaffe Lays Waste to Warehouse
The fire cloud Pentanthos’ Gaffe, also called Ator’s Gaffe,
has been seen on the border of the Plains of Rage, in the estate of Fellsworth,
Nordenn. Many speculate that the
Archmage Pentanthos created this cloud in a colossal blunder but later
imprisoned it within a bottle.
One of the commonly seen warehouses of “knickknacks” in
Fellsworth was recently burned to the ground by the cloud. Said warehouse owner Jerard Nackabout,
“I was mindin’ my bidness, conductin’ a trade with a visiting merchant o’
wares, and lo and behold the sky started rainin’ fire!!” The Nackabout Franchise has lost over
400 gold worth of “baubles the like you won’t find in all the Duchy.” Many
lives were lost as unsuspecting townsfolk were hit with massive bursts of
elemental flame. Fortunately, no
permanent deaths have been reported in this last appearance. Estate Owner
Duchess Dara Vardik sent money and healers to assist in the clean up.
In the last few years the cloud has also sruck the estates of
Dale and Bartersville, killing hundres of people, several permanently. The
cloud was last seen headed south into the former Barony of Corrheim where we
are sure it will cause much more havoc and loss of life.
It is known that the Ashbury Sage’s Guild is looking for any
and all information on this horrible cloud. Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous
was able to provide a great deal of history relating to the cloud, as well as
the wizard Penthantos.
“It is my belief that Penthantos did not mean to create such
a destructive force,” the guildmaster was quoted to say. “All evidence points
to Penthantos being a good and benevolent man, and he was considered a great
hero for creating the mirror that destroyed Damon Thule up until he created the Gaffe. Letters seem to indicate that he was
attempting to perform a grand show to honor the coronation of King James
Defour, not create a terrible Phenomenon that would kill thousands of people.”
When asked why the cloud is also called Ator’s Gaffe, Cedric
explained that the cloud had been bottled before Icenia was cursed, and upon
returning Chieftain Ator Thunderbringer found the bottle and opened it in
curiosity. “It should be noted,” Guildmaster Cedric added. “That Chieftain Ator
had no reason to suspect the true contents of the bottle, and anyone could have
made the same mistake.”
Many people are asking what was being done by the duchy to
stop the cloud. Guildmaster Cedric explained that he began investigating the
matter back in 601 under Duke Aramis, and has continued his efforts into Duke
Frost’s tenure.
In fact, the guildmaster reports a great deal of progress
made in the investigation. “The Icenian Royal Mage’s Guild has assisted me in
finding out how to bottle the cloud for one hundred years, but I needed the
shard of an Ice Elemental. Thanks to many of the brave adventurers of Ashbury I
was able to acquire one and prepare the bottle. Since then I’ve been trying to
locate the cloud so that I can capture it.”
Guildmaster Cedric refused to comment on his hideously
deformed ear, though rumors claim that he allowed Ice Elementals to cut if off
in some sort of pact that allowed him to keep the shard he had acquired.
“I know how to capture the cloud, the problem has been that I can’t find it!” The noted sage laments. “Once the cloud is captured and no longer killing people I intend to investigate how to destroy the wretched thing for good!” It is our sincerest hope here at the Ashbury Times that Guildmaster Cedric succeeds.
News Bits
Baroness Glen Healing
Baroness Glen is having a problem getting around these days
thanks mostly to rotten luck.
Her Excellency had traveled with a small entourage of guards
to visit an elderly man in the Ash Forest who had come to Ashbury in the spring
hoping for healing for his advanced age. The Baroness was attacked by zombies
and other undead in the estate of Aldin Mirk. The numbers were so great that
eventually all spells and items were used and Baroness Glen fell unconscious.
Upon awakening ten minutes later, she discovered that her leg had been broken.
The guards with her unfortunatelty resurrected and by the
time they rushed back with help, it was too late for healing and the Baroness’
leg had to heal normally.
She has been wearing an uncomfotable cast for almost two
months now, and will probably have to continue to wear it through the fall.
Still, she is attempting to show good spirits, and had the cast colored green
for the Forest.
It is unknown where the undead came from, but they seemed
unorganized and unled. No items were stolen.
Strange Plague
Reported
As recently as two weeks ago, there have been an unusual
number of people reporting strange symptoms of sickness from weakness, to
nasuea to even dizziness and an overall drained feeling.
These sympotoms do not appear to be related to alchemical
substances or other natural causes and so far, there seems to be no method of
alleviating these symptoms.
The plaugue seems to be affecting the physically weak, and
those that work the land. Victems
of this strange sickness that the Healer’s Guild in one estate is calling “an
epidemic, a plague of unnatural proportions” have been reported from all over
the Ducal Fiefs in Ashbury.
Royal Guildmaster Onyon had only this to say: “Please report
any unnatural symptoms to your local healer’s guild.”
Lizardman Activity
Increases
Much activity has been seen from the Lizardmen in the Mishrak
Fens recently, moreso than the usual spring and summer emergence of
hibernation. Heavily armed war parties have been reported and there are very
strange reports that dark elves have been seen travelling with some of these
war parties through the Fens.
Mithrauko Seen
It has been reported that the Kanoredhil known as Mithrauko
was seen in a far off land called Syraandor. He was heard to tell people there that he was on an inspection
and had recently been promoted to Arakan.
It seems an entire nation of elves in this land has chosen to
follow the Kanoredhil. What this bodes for Icenia is yet to be determined.
In related news, a
small group of twenty or thirty elves has been spotted harassing the
supply lines of Dur Namarie and dispatching smaller groups of the Dur Namarie
ogres.
No elven casualties have been reported.
Their tactics seem very similar to standard tactics of the
Amani Rangers, but the Rangers have denied all knowledge any activity and
firmly state all their rangers are stationed in the Ash Forest.
Guild Reports
HEALER’S
GUILD
by Assistant Guildmaster Lauroc Der-Wyrvenhaus
Your Healer’s Guild is pleased to report that this season has
been a quiet and peaceful summer. Due to the pleasant summer showing no sign of
leaving soon, we continue to urge the adventurers to keep plenty of liquids
nearby and to make sure not to overheat themselves. Especially as we head into
the hottest of the months, keep care of yourself.
We continue to offer many services to you in continuation to
be “Your Healers Guild.” Resurrections will remain a free service. To make this
unpleasant event less painful, we continue to ask that you schedule to meet
with one of the Head members so they can record your Resurrection Preferences.
Tell us what kind of story, and whom you would prefer to perform your
resurrection. All entries will be cataloged to ensure your wishes are carried
out to the best ability.
In addition to that service, your Healers Guild has a supply
of various potions and elixirs to buy and trade. We also offer Spellbooks,
Spell Ink, Teaching of Earthen Magics and Healing Arts. Ritual Identification
in regard to Scrolls and also services as Ritual Casters are currently
available.
For Ritual Casting, please see one of the members to
negotiate privately the fee for this service. The Guild also has some
protective oriented Scrolls it is willing to Spellcraft.
Please send a private missive to the Guildmistress or the
Assistant Guildmembers to discuss this option as we will need time to memorize.
We thank you for allowing us to be Your Guild, and
kindly remind you that in order to serve you best, please show your
appreciation by donating, and often, to your local healers. Thank you, and Keep
Well.
SAGE’S
GUILD
by Cedric
Fruvous, Guildmaster
The Sage’s Guild is very pleased to report the promotion of
Kuwo Mushtee to Guildsman. His efforts to gather knowledge and use it to better
the future is what we strive for in the Sage’s Guild, and he has fully embraced
it.
The Sage’s Guild is currently investigating the following
issues: 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 yours They are given on a first come first served basis.
We also offer the use of our alchemy and spell books for the
fee of three silver nobles. We buy
and sell potions, armor, weapons, alchemy, reagents, wine (when available) and
practically any other legal goods.
We
also can teach nearly any skill. If you happen to seek a skill that no one in
the Guild knows, 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 and
are interested in selling them please contact us.
Public Notices
TEA WITH THE ASH FOREST. Come visit Baroness Glen and her court on the night of Friday, September 5th for drinks and desserts. Bring your concerns and conversation. Open to all, commoners and noble alike.
BRAVEROAR: May the Stars shine upon your adventures into your homelands. If you should ever need help, I will do my best to provide. Best Wishes- Baron Talin
I AM LOOKING to trade for the following Ritual Scrolls: Arcane Armor, Cloak of Darkness, Copy Formal Scroll, Permanent Duration, Transfer Magic. I have much to trade, including a set of the scroll and catalyst for the ever popular spirit forge. I also have a regeneration primary I’d be willing to part with as well as permanent magic items (only usable in Tar Navaria). Gold is also an option as well. May the shadows always darken your path, - Lord Find’rth T’Varian
SIR MADRIC, please contact the Ashbury Sage’s Guild as soon as possible. We may have assistance for you.
WANTED to buy: Wines of all kinds! All nationalities, all vintages, but please—nothing poisonous! See Canter Merrily with Valentine’s Performing Company. Prefer trade or barter, but will pay coin if price is right
NEED COINS? No problem. Need Wards, Battlemagic scrolls? No problem. Need “legal” alchemy? No problem. Seek Symerille’s Emporium. We buy and sell scrolls, items, ritual quality components. Look for the friendly Stone Elven face and a deal you will have. Remember Symerille’s Emporium. Ashbury city.