The Ashbury Times

August / September 611

“All The News That Fits, We Print”

 

Broomis Bouchard Ascends the Icenian Throne

 

   We here at The Ashbury Times know that this is likely old news to our readers, but we were holding back on writing this article until we could report on the pomp and pageantry of His Majesty’s coronation. Unfortunately, His Majesty decided not to have one, preferring instead to travel the Kingdom and hear the oaths of fealty of his vassal lords in their own estates. His Majesty states that he did this in order to spare the Kingdom the expense of a formal ceremony as well as to see all he could of the land and get a sense firsthand of the problems and concerns of his people.

It is still not clear what exactly happened upon the Mons Regalis directly after King Broomis stepped upon it. There are some who say that Jacelyn Correllia attempted to strike down His Majesty and others who claim that she was striking at the Mons itself. What is certain is that the Mons Regalis and the sword Validus were both destroyed by her blow. What this means for the Kingdom is uncertain, though the new royal crown was made from shards of both artifacts at the King’s order.

After leaving Ashbury, His Majesty made for Cil’Cilurion where he stayed for only a few days before beginning his pilgrimage around the Kingdom. For a full accounting of His Majesty’s actions since assuming the throne the Times here reprints the official decrees provided to us by the Royal Court on behalf of his Majesty:

 

 

Citizens of Icenia,

Know that it is with the greatest humility that we accept the burden of the trust that you have favored us with. Our fair Kingdom has suffered much in these past years. The Dominion war, the civil strife following the deaths of our beloved King and Queen, as well as the spectre of war once again reaching forth its hand from the south in the form of the villainous Galanthian Empire. Though evil seems to come upon us in increasing strength as the seasons pass the Icenian people remain steadfast and strong, faithful to the ideals of the Code and unwavering in their resolve to make Tar’Navaria a better place, not just for their families and neighbors, but for all people of good heart in our world.

We know that the Icenian people have problems that are many and varied, we have traveled the Kingdom entire to speak with your Knights, Barons and Dukes so that we might see the challenges you face, and see all parts of the Kingdom as places where good people make their homes rather than as notations on a parchment map. Know that the throne will be making coin available from the royal treasury to aid those that have lost their homesteads and livelihoods to the ravages of war. Know also that we have the utmost faith in the Lords who see to your safety and welfare.

Icenia’s strength has always been in its people, and it is our oath that the people of the realm shall always be our first concern.

Broomis Bouchard, King of Icenia


Jacelyn Obliterated for High Treason

 

In addition to the edict above, His Majesty also proclaimed the following:

 

People of Icenia,

Let it be known that Jacelyn Correllia of Evorra has been obliterated and exiled for the crime of high treason to the Icenian throne. The crown has come into possession of a letter in Jacelyn’s own hand and stamped with her seal ordering the kidnapping of our former Queen Sidraste DeAnnan during the height of the war against the Dominion. When confronted with this letter, Jacelyn admitted that she had indeed given that order and accepted the required sentence. As her corpse did not reform, we know that she yet lives and thus is barred, on pain of obliteration until permanent death, from ever again setting foot on Icenian soil.

Know that giving aid to this woman while within Icenia shall be considered an act of treason. Outside the Kingdom the crown has no interest in her doings provided they are not acts or conspiracies against Icenia or her allies. The crown also has no interest in further acts of justice or vengeance against her and leaves the decision to its friends and allies of the the other Tar’Navarian nations as to if they wish to harbor her.

Let it be made plain that Jacelyn Correllia has not been found guilty of the crime of regicide. Other letters have made it clear that the deaths of both King Gareth and Queen Sidraste are the work of the two former Evorran lords Nigel and Iona Campbell. The crown hereby issues an order for their arrest for the crime of regicide. Any individual who can bring these traitors before the throne will earn the crown’s gratitude and, should they wish it, a squirehood.

Broomis Bouchard, King of Icenia


Empress Arienne of Galanthia Destroyed;

Morganna Returns?

 

Late on the night of August 19, several prophets of Galanthia arrived in Fairdale.  These prophets offered readings and predictions to whoever wished.  They also informed those present that something world-changing was going to happen very soon in the area.

Soon after, flashes of light and elemental energy were seen in the sky.  The prophets were seen to get very excited, and were heard to say things like “It is beginning” and “They come!”

Red spectral figures soon came out of the darkness.  The creatures were later identified as blood wraiths. Each pair bore a pedestal corresponding to an elemental plane, two foundation and two magisterium: Blue for water, green for earth, red for death and white for order.  It is rumored that the pedestals had terrible effects upon anyone touching them.  The Galanthia prophets were seen to be celebrating the spectacle.  After placing the pedestals, the blood wraiths materialized and attacked the surrounding adventurers.  They were all dispatched.

Later that night in the very late hours, a group of adventurers were notified of a possible Galanthian command post eight or so miles from Fairdale.  The adventurers crept upon a clearing where several torches blazed and spied upon a meeting between Galanthian leaders and a group of vampire gypsies.  The Galanthins were Empress Arienne, Lord General Lochaber and General Arken. 

The gypsy vampires were later revealed to be Lucrezia and Cyprian Trajana, vampires from the bloodline of the ancient dragon mage vampire Morganna, who was banished by Gabriel Bruce many years ago.

These enemies of Ashbury were overheard discussing a ritual to return Morganna from his banishment.  It seems that four gems contained his fragmented spirit and that each gem had to be placed on the appropriate pedestal the next night starting at midnight.  The Trajana vampires seemed to have quite a rivalry with Arienne, but agreed to help bring back “Father.”

It was later brought to light that some crucial information was not discovered.  The blood of a vampire of the pure Morganna bloodline was needed on each pedestal and also the blood of a mortal before the gems could be placed.  It was also found out later that this all needed to be done within one half hour starting at midnight. 

Throughout the next day, elementals of the attuned type were seen to rift in and attack at each pedestal.  There were also many Swords of Lore (the Galanthian army’s soldiers) attacking throughout the day.  It should be noted that these Swords were accompanied by undead, something not seen in the past.

Later in the day, Lochaber brought in a larger forces of Swords of Lore and undead.  It is believed this was to determine the strength of the forces in Fairdale.  Baron Harrison, Sir Ulthoc and others were instrumental in driving off the Galanthian forces and Lochaber.

At a bit before midnight on the evening of the 20th, a large force of Swords of Lore, Blood Wraiths, Trajana vampires and other undead arrived near Fairdale.  They approached from the south and quickly set up a limited Circle of Power in the field where Arienne and Lucrezia began some sort of blood ritual. 

Baron Harrison gave the order to attack and the battle ensued.  Sir Ulthoc ressurected when Lochaber struck him down then tossed the Vansir knight into the Circle of Power.  The vampire known as Cyprian Trajana was staked and put to permanent rest.

It is rumored the Ashbans believed that Arienne held the spirit gems, but during the chaos, Lochaber, along with a Sword of Lore and unnamed Trajana vampire, completed a blood ritual and placed a gem on each pedestal before the Ashbans were even aware of them.  Spouts of necromantic and elemental energy shot into the air and it became apparent the ritual was complete.  Lochaber immediately sent his Swords of Lore into an organized withdrawal, showing concern for the lives of his troops.  He also sent away the blood wraiths and other undead, stating to Squire Ithaca that there was no need for more Ashbans to die.

A figure formed in the Circle of Power with Lucrezia and Arienne … a female figure.  Despite their surprise, both the vampires Arienne and Lucrezia declared that this was indeed Morganna once again taken flesh.  Lochaber was was more incredulous and even chastised Arienne for fooling with rituals beyond her understanding.  But Arienne convinced him to also enter the Circle of Power.  Lochaber and the “New Morganna” touched hands which seemed to convince Lochaber,  and then all four vampires spirit walked away.

The next day, a ducal ranger came to Fairdale stating that Arienne’s sanctuary was found.  He had fast horses for twelve and led these twelve (whose names we are not at liberty to reveal) to the sanctuary.  While other adventurers distracted the Galanthian forces from the sanctuary, it seems the stalwart twelve were successful in destroying the vampire Arienne.

However, the day was not to end in triumph, but in a river of blood.  Soon after Arienne’s destruction, an enraged Lochaber and Morganna arrived in Fairdale with death as their only agenda.  Accompanied by many blood wraiths, who had never been seen in the daytime before, the vampiric duo blazed a path of destruction through the adventurers.  It is whispered that the Ashbans had their guard down after their earlier victory and were caught flat footed.  Many resurrected, including Sir Ulthoc a second time.  Baron Harrison was particularly targeted by Lochaber, who fed various parts of His Excellency to a bestial vampire.  Lochaber screamed in rage that his vengeance had only just begun and called Morganna to follow him to other towns and villages of Ashbury.


Galanthia Declares War on Icenia

 

The following was received by the Ashbury Times and also posted throughout the kingdom.  It is also rumored a formal declaration was sent to His Highness King Broomis Bouchard and His Grace Duke Sir Frost Vardik.

 

To All Citizens of All Sovereign Nations of Tar Navaria,

For years I have treated the Icenians with honor and respect.  I have not taken a step into their lands except when absolutely necessary for the good of my people and my nation.  I have offered non-aggression pacts, treaties and aid, most of which have been rebuffed. Yet I did not take insult. 

When Icenia was the main focus of the Dominion, I took my own troops…my beloved brothers and sisters in arms…into the Plains of Rage to take the war to the Dominion.  I did not have to do this, as the Dominion was not directly threatening my country.  My people died in honorable combat and spared the land of Icenia thousands of deaths.

And when the Icenians have attacked me and mine in the past with little to no provocation, I have done my best not to bring death upon them.  I have made every effort to combat and defeat them with honor and with as many of their misguided “heroes” left alive as possible.

And I was repaid with deceit and murder.  They have taken from me my family.  The “Heroes of Icenia” are naught but foul murderers.

More importantly, they have taken from my nation its Shining Radiance.  They have left thousands of deserving citizens without their beloved leader.  A leader who had abolished slavery, a leader who made sure even the most common citizen had food and shelter, education and healing, a leader who brought order to chaos and light to the darkness.

I may have been able to forgive the personal nature of murdering my only family, but I cannot ignore an outright act of war against a sovereign nation.

Let it be known that on the 22nd day of the eight month, the Sovereign Nation of Galanthia has declared open war upon the nation of Icenia for the crime of regicide.  May the fates have mercy upon your spirits, for I will not.

 

Lord General Matros Lochaber

Regent of Galanthia

 


Galanthia Moves Troops into Contested Lands

 

Large numbers of Galanthian troops have moved into the Contested Lands, spanning from Bartleby to Capulus.  Bartleby had been a former stronghold for Morganna and it can only be assumed that she has some plan for the occupation of this area.  It is estimated 10-15,000 troops have been moved into this area.  They seem to be digging in and fortifying for the time being. 

Ducal troops and some royal troops have been mobilized and are moving to intercept this threat.  Duke Sir Frost Vardik is leading the troops personally and has left the day to day business of Ashbury in the hands of Sir Eros and Sir Indorian.

 


The Victory at Storm’s End

 

By Sir Nevin Kendrick, Royal Paladin

Galanthia may be baring their fangs at us and the reconquest of Trellheim may still look so far before us, but we should not forget the battles that truly matter. Never forget the lives that have been lost in this noble duty.

Storm’s End is a safe haven for many of us. Ducal soldiers from Ashbury and many from Brittington, merchants, adventurers and more have all called its keep home.

In the Month of Ferret, Storm’s End faced the united hordes of the Broken Spear tribe. Though we had reached some sort of accord with the Bugbear, Rackmaster General Les-Grahk, reports filtered in of goblinoid maneuvers in the west. Concerned that this might lead to an attack, I traveled to Storm’s End Keep myself and posted a notice in the Black Stag for others to meet me there, just in case.

Better safe than sorry when dealing with goblins.

Adventurers gathered, including several knights of Ashbury and Baron Harrison Ryatt of Nordenn, and we set the caravan westerly from Fairdale. Closing on the wall of Storm’s End, sounds of siege engines and soldiery were heard. We drove off the rearguard of the siege force and brought down their siege engines. 

The wall had already been breached.

The caravan rushed to the keep itself to warn the Stormblades of the invasion. In the course of the debriefing it came to light that the Rackmaster General present in the fight was not Les-Grahk, it was a bugbear by the name of Tesserak.

Tesserak would be quite the pain in our collective asses throughout the siege. To our repeated chagrin the Rackmaster General had a controlled spirit store ritual and a rugged persistence. Many thanks go to the Stormblades themselves for tracking down his spirit trinket and cutting him down until he ceased to reform.  The tale recounted to me of Tesserak’s fall was one of desperate battle with no options but success or death. A tale better asked of those who were there.

Within the Keep proper, a defense strategy began to form. The map of Storm’s End proved instrumental in the planning stages. The goblins had infested the sites within the outer wall with the alacrity of flies on a feast. Unfortunately, due to the natural layout of the sites themselves the soldiers and scouts of the Storm Guard could only blaze trails to two sites at a time. However, the lack of forces in the keep meant that sending two strike teams at once would open the Keep for assault and capture. Hard choices had to be made and these choices were made with wise council and heavy hearts.

Magical ruins dot the area around Storm’s End, the control of which provides a prodigious amount of power both mundane and mystical. Should the filthy goblins have taken these sites their means of waging war would have changed drastically.

On the other hand, commoners were still trapped with the outer wall. The scared people had holed up in their farms, their market, the wagon road and the Storm Guard’s Humble Abode. 

Each time the scouts opened a path, at great cost to their own numbers, the choice fell between choosing to drive the goblins out of the sites of power or to save the commoners.

The choices were as follows:

 

The Oreforge: Retaking this location prevented the goblins from arming themselves with better weaponry, both mundane and magical. The Wagon Road was lost. I cannot recall the strike team’s composition.

 

The Curesprings: Retaking this location prevented goblins from producing healing items and regenerating. The Farmlands were lost. The Stormblades liberated this area.

 

The Market Square: Retaking this area saved the commoners that were trapped and hiding there. Greencage was lost, see note below. The Baronial Court of Nordenn liberated this area. Two adventurers resurrected.

 

Greencage was simultaneously assaulted by the Stormblades, but the assault was unsuccessful. Tesserak attacked the Keep itself immediately afterwards.

 

The Rune Tower: Retaking this site prevented goblins from having access to powerful celestial battle magic. The Humble Abode was lost. During this assault, the goblin leader known as Iron Gob was slain by Grim Anvilstrike.

 

Though the Humble Abode was lost the Storm Guard fought to the last drop of blood. The only soldier to resurrect gave me the account of Guard Captain Arthur Coram’s last stand. If you wish the tale, ask me when I am in the Black Stag. I will make sure there is drink about to toast it proper.

Sheriff Davin Holst’s story will also be told. He fought valiantly against the bugbears and met his final death. I have no words for paper to properly honor him for those words are for bardic tale alone.

With goblin invasion blunted, the power behind the green came to light. The vampire known as Riordan had elements of his undead army present with Tesserak’s. Including a being that could produce undead at a high volume whose name is currently unknown. (As is the location of its phylactery.)

Riordan’s attempts to run supplies and weapons to other elements of his force were thwarted in large part by the combined might of the assembled adventurers.

At the final break of the siege the undead and the bugbears were driven out in the majority and Izer of the Stormblades was named Sheriff. He will certainly do Holst’s memory proud.

As this siege is now several weeks pass and rebuilding is still underway, we must take moment to reflect on the lives of commoners lost, but not in vain. The Keep still stands and Trellheim stands but a few hard fights away. We have the steel, we have the spells and we have the sand to take all comers. We mustn’t lose heart now, for we are truly battling evil with cessation.


 

Faust:  Friend or Foe?

 

The Unseelie Fey calling himself Lord Faust once again appeared in Fairdale, this time to enjoy dinner in the tavern.  He was accompanied by several other fey of his court.  They remained peaceful and many of those present enjoyed their company and some even rifted out with them to return later.

However, it has also come to light that the spirit gems of Morganna are the very gems Faust was acquiring via deals with the adventuring community.  When confronted on this, he commented that it was his fey nature to make deals that benefitted him, regardless of who they were with.  He stated he has no choice in the matter.

It is clear that Faust has aided Ashbury in the past.  But it is also now clear that he has aided Ashbury’s most hated enemies as well.  He has never been outright hostile or directly caused deaths or other trauma, nor has he ever been seen to break the laws while in Ashbury.  But is his presence a boon or a bane?  As of now, it seems that each of us will need to decide for themselves.

 


Hagarath to Host Hero’s Tournament

 

By Gavah the Crooked

Fellow Ashbans, I have heard tales about Fairdale and I like what I am hearing.  Apparently it is a rough and tumble town filled with constant battle, mayhem, and the occasional murder.  I have good news.  My family and I don’t intend to change a thing.

Duke Frost has agreed to allow my family to run the bi-annual Individual’s Tournament and we intend to make it one that no one will ever forget.  From the reports I’ve received, past tournaments have been rather tame.  Sure, a few people have died, given up their noble titles, or been found guilty of necromancy, but where is the real fun?  I know I’ve been asking myself that and I am sure you folks have been, too.  The good news is that we are prepared to spice up the tournament and make it fun for all.

First and foremost, every single event will involve gambling.  We will set the odds and put limits on the payouts.  But whether or not you are participating, you can have a stake in the events.  Furthermore, some events specifically allow audience interaction.  So get your clubs, spells, and alchemy ready, because you never know when you may be allowed to help or hinder a participant.

Opening ceremonies will be held Friday evening, starting at nine hours past midday. Kortal Karlag Garath will begin the games with a traditional “Lodar Kraumtaum”, or “Drum Rite” around the fire. If you have drums or percussion instruments of your own, bring them and participate. Afterwards, those of you who wish may announce your intention to compete in the tournament and offer tribute to the Kortal. Though such offerings will earn you no points towards the tournament, it is considered an important sign of respect.

Now, on to the events.  We will run seven events.  Individuals may participate in none, some, or all.  I highly recommend everyone participate in some.  It is the healthy choice.

 

Dueling – You register for this event Friday evening at which point you will be given an armband to wear for the remainder of the tournament.  At any point until the tournament ends, you can challenge anyone else wearing an armband, but there must be a tournament master around to record the results and, more importantly, to arrange betting beforehand.  A particular pair of combatants can only fight once each day.  On the second and third days, combatants will be ranked based on success and defeating higher ranked combatants will be more valuable than equal or lower ranked combatants.  Sunday afternoon, the highest two ranked individuals will square off for a final bout.  All fights for dueling are weapons and armor only.

 

Grand Melee – Don’t let the name fool you, participants can fight using any method they want.  Spells, alchemy, weapons, whatever.  Laws regarding necromancy apply, but assault or murder laws don’t.  The last man or woman standing wins something fancy.

 

Race – Remember when I promised that the audience can participate?  This is one of the audience participation events.  Runners will run a set course and the first one standing to cross the finish line wins.  Runners may use any weapons, armor, spells, alchemy and magic items they want to hinder other runners.  The audience may similarly participate.  The course will be kept secret until a few minutes before the race starts.  So, if you have a dog in this race (or elf, sarr, high-ogre, etc.), prepare in advance and then move to your favorite watching point as quickly as possible.

 

Throwing – We will provide the knives and the convicts as targets.  You will provide the aim and the bloodshed.  Don’t worry too much about the convicts.  They are avoiding fines by agreeing to a few minutes of bleeding.  Speed of throwing and accuracy are both important as you will only have a few seconds to hit your targets.

 

Knowledge – This event is sadly bereft of any form of mauling or bloodshed.  For you smarty-smart people, consider this to be essentially the Trivia competition from previous years, except some of the trivia will be given in the form of a puzzle.  The contest starts Friday night and goes all weekend.  At various points, a new puzzle will be made available in the tavern.  Once available, find a tournament master and give the correct answer.  It is that easy.

 

The Hunt – For once this event will live up to its name.  On Friday evening, a tournament master will recite the hunt list.  Everyone who is interested needs to listen and do their best to memorize it.  It may be repeated at various points during the weekend, but that is entirely at my family’s pleasure.  Find the items on the list and turn them in for profit.  Most of the items on the list will actually require participants to enter the woods and hunt deadly creatures.  Huzzah!

 

Entertainment – The whole tournament is entertaining, why do we need more?  Ah, well, some of you like to show off your singing, dancing, and instrument playing skills. On Saturday night, the Garath Clan will host a feast in the Black Stag Tavern. You must announce your intention to compete in this event before it begins. You will perform for the revelers and the assembled judges while the feast is going on. Audience response will be taken into account.

 

With these events, the tournament is bound to be amazing.  There are a few rules, stipulations, etc.  First, tournament prizes have not been set yet.  Expect money, magic items, and other things adventuring types like.  Second, all participants must follow the rules and are never permitted to bet on their opponents.  Third, audience members may only participate/interfere in certain events.  It will be made clear at all times which events are which.  Finally, all rules will be enforced by our associates, Bardok and Renzio.  Be advised, they may also “fine” you once they have beaten you to a pulp.  Your presence in Fairdale during this tournament amounts to agreement to these terms.

 

Enjoy.

 


Monty Wins Talent Contest

By guest writer Citizen Checkers T. Clown

 

It is with great enthusiasm I announce that Monty the Dwarf has won the first edition of Icenia’s Got Talent, with a rousing rendition of some song about Tobacco, Lasses and his wife.  I’m not really sure where the lyrics were going, but the song was a lot of fun and there was a lot of table pounding and bellowing by all.  That’s my kind of song. Monty received the grand prize, which did not suck.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our other awesome conestants, each of which deservedly received consolation prizes.  Some of the consolation prizes did suck.  These contestants included Ket, Lanna, Anya, Luka and Balls.

I am also relieved to announce no one got a pie in the face due to being a poophead, though Kantil did get a free case of the clownies.  It was also very obvious that Kantil has no idea what a balloon flobber is.


Mages’ Guild Report

 

There is little I can report on about the Guild currently.  As many of you already know, I have been away on Royal Guild business with the Songbringer’s Lute and remain so even now.  The past few months, Guildsman Soren and Senior Guildsmen Raven have been taking care of Guild duty in my absence and I thank them for that.  Unfortunately I have not received as many reports from Guildmembers about the goings on in Fairdale as I would have liked, save a few reliable sources who took the initiative to contact me themselves. 

My special thinks to Guildsman Eldarion and Apprentice Aubry for your valuable assistance with reports and Guild service these past few months.  You have both been awarded Guild points based on your contributions. 

I will be assessing the donations, Guild service records, and the outcome of our recent missions to award points to other members as I receive reports.  A quick thank you to Grim, Balls, and I’zer for their Guild service recently, I have received reports of your assistance and it is appreciated.

I will try to provide whoever is handling Guild duty at each gathering I am away, some notes on current Guild standings and instructions regarding our current missions, but as always, specific inquiries about Guild standings as well as progress reports and assignments should be directed to me directly.  Thank you.

 

Archwizard Nathan Westwind

Guildmaster, Fairdale Mage’s Guild

Elemental Warden of Icenia

 


Healers’ Guild Report

 

For all those who were at the last gathering, I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for what you had to endure.  I know your personal, physical, and emotional sacrifices were great.

In remembrance of lives lost and courage shown by all, we will celebrate our wins and mourn or losses.  I’ll bring cake!

Due to many requests, the Guild will partition off an area before its entrance to allow for a member access outside of the Circle.  The foyer space is a relaxing comfort zone for stress release.  Please leave your egos at the door, or rather the cloth.  We also hope to save the bunk closest to the Guild for Guild associates if possible.

 

A few personal notes:

To the commoner I have protectives to and who seriously against all odds risked his life to save me:  Please see me.  I wish to properly thank you for being so honorable.

To the new Sheriff:  I wish to publicly thank you.  It has been a long time since someone paid me more than coppers for healing them. Your sincere thanks were dear to me personally.  You are a man of honor.

 

Now on to Guild business.

I am tired of having to clean dishes every time I go into the Guild.  While everyone is welcome, and the Guild is a wonderful place to relax and party, I would appreciate some respect and concern in return. If I have to clean up after you, I will either charge you for my time or restrict your ability to enter the Circle in the future.  If you leave your possessions all over the floor, I may place them outside of the Circle.  I am not in the best of health and it isn’t fair that I must clean up after you.

The Guild meeting will be on Saturdays of gatherings from 9:30 am until 11:00 am.  The first half an hour is social time.  Bagels and coffee will be served. 

If you are interested in interviewing to become a member of the Guild, please see me on Friday night so that I can get to know you before the Guild interviews you.

 

Guildmistress Zatarina

 


Letters

 

An Open Letter from the Storm Blades to the Adventurers of Fairdale:

 

Greetings to the brave defenders of the lands of Trellheim and Storm’s End.

The Storm Blades wish to offer their greatest thanks and well wishes to those who helped hold and then free Storm’s End from the combined forces of the Broken Spear clan and the undead menace that has rooted itself in the area. In recognition for the help and sacrifices made by those who continually give freely of themselves to protect the commoners of the once great barony of Trellheim, the Storm Blades wish to dedicate a memorial, which shall be located in the central market adjacent to the humble abode. All who stood with us shall have their names recorded so that future generations shall know that they owe their lives, and the lives of their children to the adventurers who threw back the invading hoards of Broken Spear; so that a bright light in a darkened land did not burn out.

Along with the physical memorial the Storm Blades bid their most heartfelt thanks to everyone whom did rally in defense. In the aftermath that follows we shall rebuild and remember those who gave all to protect the kingdom and common man alike.

The defending adventurers alone had suffered thirteen resurrections; the Storm Guard of 200 suffered well over 160 deaths, many of whom did not make it back to us. The commoners suffered the worst of the devastation, with over 2000 dying at the hands of the invaders. It is too early to know how many have not made it back to us.

It is with deepest sorrow and regret that I am to report that my predecessor, the honorable and great Sheriff Holst, did take his final death this gather. Hail the Glorious Dead, may he find rest in the Hero’s Graveyard.

In closing, thank you all who continue to safeguard this great kingdom, and keep it and its people from harm.

 

 


A Little Birdie Told Me

 

By Sue D’Onym

Hello, dearies!  Time for another installment of the News They Don’t Want You To Know!

The adventurers of Fairdale have always been a greedy bunch, but lately it seems to be getting worse. Rowan, Senior Guildsman of the Healer’s Guild supposedly also serves on the noble court of Blythedale, but he was overheard charging Baron Harrison 20 gold for a whispering wind scroll so that His Grace Duke Frost could be warned of an attack. Five times the normal asking price for a whispering wind? That doesn’t sound terribly noble.

And Sheriff Izer caused quite a rift with the nobles when a panicked Squire Ezri was searching for a Gift of Life scroll and he told her she’d need to find some way to pay him for it.  The rest of the Stormblades don’t seem to agree with him though and later tried to explain to Baron Harrison and a very angry Sir Ulthoc what he “really” meant.

And speaking of Harrison and Izer:  Apparently the Sheriff wishes for something to be done about the Baron, which may be related to the time the Baron ordered the Sheriff killed as a squire’s task (He was healed afterwards). 

Harrison doesn’t seem too popular with the commoners these days. It seems that he keeps dying on the battlefield not so much because he is always at the forefront of the battle (no one questions his bravery) but because commoners just aren’t healing him up afterwards.  Many seem to blame his headstrong actions for the loss against Lochaber.

Meanwhile, Squire Garathon Von Storm led one of the small units of adventurers responsible for stopping the undead forces and their runners during the recent siege of Storm’s End. Those who witnessed his leadership claim that not a single adventurer fell due to his superior battle tactics, and that this was far from the first time he has commanded a victory in the field. Why hasn’t this man been knighted yet?

Harrison is mostly impressed with Khorwyn Brey, it seems.  He even voiced his wish for his blade, Defender, to pass on to someone with his qualities when the Baron one day permanently dies.

It is said that the reclaiming of Storm’s End was amply assisted by a collection of new adventurers named “The Reliables.” Despite overwhelming odds, these new warriors fought just as bravely as any member of Nordenn, Blythedale, or the Stormblades. Will this stalwart band of heroes stay together?

The baronial team of Blythedale, by the way, can’t seem to get it together. Another gathering with no treasury?

Gabriel showed up in Ashbury after many years just in time to meet his ex-wife Arienne.  As usual, he didn’t make many friends.  Well, that’s not true.  He was seen often fighting side by side with the Galanthian Esten, whose battle cry was “For the Glory of the Empire.” 

Many are wondering why Raven, despite being a Kiergani, seems to behave very differently from his kin. What does a Wild Elf need with nobility, coin, or a construct?

Was the Healer’s Guild robbed?  Rumor has it that they can’t find their magic items and have been very stingy with what they do have lately.  Or maybe that just has something to do with Zatarina, whose feather colors changed overnight it seems, and who, by all reports, has become very angry over something.  

That’s all for this month!  Just remember:  If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

 


Public Notices

 

CURRENLY SEEKING information on Children of Autumn who seem to be infected with some sort of disease which causes them to secrete a black oozing substance.  Anyone with any knowledge is asked to please contact Kialda Loa or Squire Ezri Silverthorn.

 

THE STORM BLADES are looking for ritual components and will pay two gold for any that do not expire within the next year.  Please speak with Andros.

 

DEFEND the town of Fairdale and the safety of the commoners, join the Town Guard today!  Wages paid! Contact Sheriff Izer if interested.

 

PERMANENCE SCROLL WANTED.  I am currently able to offer 150 gold but I may have some ritual scrolls or production items to trade from both Icenia and Arandin.  CircleMaster Rowan La’Tour