Princess Lillian Rotari has appointed a new Regent for Mykel Nordenn, and from first appearances, it appears that the nobles and commoners of Ashbury are happy with her selection. Rumor has it that King Mykel himself placed the name of the new Duke before the Princess, and with Her Highness' overwhelming support, Ashbury now possess a hero to lead us!
Aramis Llyrr, Duke of Ashbury, High Protector of Evendarr, Recipient of the Heart of Evendarr, Recipient of twelve Silver Medals of Valor, Knight of Evendarr, Sir Brigadier of His Majesties Royal Army, Recipient of the Golden Lion of Evendarr (Given only to those who have saved their King, or given their life in exchange for saving the King's own), arrived in Ashbury on the last weekend of August and took command. By Her Highness' decree, he took the title of Duke since it will be at least 15 years before Duke Bryan's named heir Mykel can assume the throne.
The people were standing ready to greet the regal and disciplined Aramis Llyrr on a sunny Saturday afternoon when he arrived. Appearing with a full court including a Chancellor, Chamberlain, Paladin, Magistrate, Sheriff and Jester, the Duke exuded a raw electric quality that warranted respect and immediate attention.
Duke Aramis Llyrr's exploits before taking the throne of Ashbury are legendary. As a high ranking officer within the King's 1st Tactical Regiment in Evendarr, Duke Aramis Llyrr (pronounced "leer") has risen rapidly through the ranks of Royal Army regiments in Volta and Niman.
Born in Cwyll as the son of a common maidservant to Duchess Monay, Aramis Llyrr applied himself to education and military training at a young age. He had defeated all of his instructors in combat by the age of 17, when he enlisted as an officer ensign with the Royal Army, sponsored by Duchess Monay herself.
His tenure with the 1st Mountain Regiment in Volta was remarkable. He was promoted twice for valor and courage against enemies and, with the aid of his soldiers, once boxed a war party of trolls four times their number and crushed them utterly, completely ending their threat to surrounding settlements.
In Niman serving among a regiment of lancers, he was instrumental in the successful defeat of several Hadrani raiding parties along the boundaries the Barony of Longmarch.
He showed his independent streak when he was requested to aid in the putting down of a minor village slave uprising. Upon discovering the vile behavior of a local lord upon his citizens and his slaves, Aramis refused to participate in quelling the rebellion but rather kept the insurgents penned up in a captured citadel until reinforcements and the magistrate arrived. Although brought before a court of inquiry, Aramis was completed exonerated for failing to follow the orders of a noble. A Royal Magistrate sentenced the villainous Lord to the death for his actions against his citizens. This action did not endear him to many of the nobles in Niman, and Aramis Llyrr was wisely transferred out of the Lancers and was invited to join the 1st Tactical Regiment.
The 1st Tactical Regiment is one of the special units within the Kingdom, as it serves to become the adversary in any military exercise in which Evendarrian units are trained. Typically the Regiment of late has been training the troops of the Kingdom to defend against Sessuar Bonded troops as well as those of true Sessuar blood. The first tactical is rarely defeated by any regiment, with perhaps the occasional exception of the five Crown Guard Regiments that guard His Majesty and the beloved heart of Evendarr.
During one such exercise, Aramis found himself in command of the 2nd Company of the First Tactical when his commander was eliminated from the exercise. In the cover of darkness Aramis Llyrr managed to penetrate the lines of the 1st Crown Guard and stood poised three hours before dawn to strike at their command post and end the exercise. Scouts however reported that a new problem had occurred as a liche appeared behind the 1st Crown guard with a significant force of undead.
Immediately moving his company to intercept, Aramis, leading the 2nd Company, managed to hold a stand for nearly two hours until the 1st Crown Guard appeared to relieve them with His Majesty Mykel Endarr leading the charge!
The combined forces completely eradicated the undead, and Aramis drove his sword into the decaying form himself, forcing the liche to resurrect.
Despite significant losses, Aramis and his troop acquitted themselves well, and he was knighted on the field of battle for his tactical brilliance and intended sacrifice in order to save the men of the 1st Crown Guard. His Majesty, recently having been coronated as our righteous and noble King, had chosen to view the exercise directly and witness the strength of his commanders.
Sir Aramis Llyrr bade a request from his King that day: that he be allowed to rotate some members of the 1st Tactical into a Strike force to hunt down the liche. Awarded this duty, Aramis hunted and utterly destroyed the being until its final death.
Upon the destruction of this impertinent being, Aramis further requested of our King the right to rotate members of the Evendarrian Regiments to deal with necessary specific crises when they occurred. Granted this duty, Sir Aramis has been instrumental in the destruction and resolution of several imperative issues for the Kingdom of Evendarr.
Naming his group the "Phoenix Guard" for the unit he was responsible for representing in the military exercise, Sir Aramis and the Guard has successfully terminated numerous undead beings, bandit kings, humanoid war parties, and in Western Evendarr, a powerful malicious drake.
The beast was of incredible ferocity, and it successfully obliterated and killed several members of the guard once they had tracked it to its lair. Sir Aramis, taking a magical blade from the beast's own horde, plunged the weapon into its heart after battering it with several mighty blows. Having already recovered and destroyed the beast's bottle, Sir Aramis dispensed the horde to reward his men, prepare a significant gift for his liege lord, and distributed the rest to the surrounding citizens to compensate them for the depredations of the foul creature. He still bears the magnificent blade, which he is rumored to call "Lawgiver."
His Grace presented himself and his court before the people of Ashbury, standing at attention before the assembled masses. At his approach the assembled baronies augustly took to one knee before their new liege lord. With little ado, Duke Aramis cleared his throat and said "It is with great honor that I stand today on Gwendolyn's Field, for here the blood of heroes has been spilled for the Duchy of Ashbury. As you stand here today remember to touch this ground as I have. . .for you touch the honor of the heroes who have bled to protect this Duchy."
The Duke, through his Fool, then announced that he had appointed his Court:
Dame Bodicia Ioki (Chamberlain): Dame Bodicia is a former member of the Royal College of Arcane Arts and Sciences, and member of the famous 75th Assault Regiment, Guardians of the College of Arcane Arts and Sciences on the Isle of Janitria. Originally hailing from Blackstone's dwarven Clan Sanderz, she left at a young age and joined the Mage's Guild, advancing within the ranks of the guild of Braughm-Raor until she obtained a teaching position at the College, specializing in instruction on force spells. She joined the Royal Army upon the recommendation of a commander of the 75th Brigadier. She was knighted 589. She finished her tour of duty with the 75th in 594, and has been working with the poor and underprivileged within the Kingdom, although does spend much of her time in Blackstone. Dame Bodicia's job as Chamberlain requires her to be the liaison between the commoners and His Grace.
Sir Xanthus Gyrfalkon (Chancellor): Sir Xanthus Gyrfalkon, from Vornithalin, is rumored to be a former apprentice of the Amani prophet Faldor. It is not known why he left this duty but he departed many years ago to serve in Evendarr. An accomplished warrior, Xanthus served many years as a teacher and instructor to the youth of Evendarr City. It has been assumed that Sir Xanthus met His Grace and perhaps trained him as a boy in Cwyll. Sir Xanthus has authored several books on the subject of Chivalry, Prophecy, the Hierarchy of Evendarrian Nobility, and Court Etiquette.
Sir Larson Kirby (Sheriff): Sir Larson hails from Warwyck, Rotaria, and is a known survivor and master of Court intrigue within the Rotarian capital of Deven. Sir Larson apparently is a devout supporter and former Lord of Princess Lillian Rotari. He served as military attache to Duke Aramis during a recent campaign against the Sessuar in Rotaria, and assumedly their fast friendship and mutual admiration led to Duke Aramis' appointment and request for him to take the role of Lord Sheriff of Ashbury.
Sir Eros Clearbrook (Magistrate): Sir Eros, a Mystic Wood elf, was appointed a Magistrate on a Royal estate within the Barony of Longmarch in Niman, and met His Grace several years ago when he convicted a Nimani noblemen of various counts of Assault and Murder against Nimani citizens. Sir Eros at this time testified in the behalf of Duke Aramis at a court of inquiry in which His Grace (then an officer) was vindicated for failing to obey a Nimani noblemen. Sir Eros has served up until recently within Rotaria and Ashbury as a Royal Magistrate, and his rumored to give excellent backrubs if you can stand discussions on the law and other philosophical treaties.
Sir Edward Valerian (Paladin): Sir Edward Valerian has served within the Royal Army for well over 15 years, specializing in logistics and training. Sir Edward himself hails from the capital of Cwyll as does His Grace. A boyhood friend and confidant of His Grace, Sir Edward served as a member of the Royal Court of Chivalry in Cwyll and was appointed to the peerage five years ago after accepting squirehood. Sir Edward has also served with the Royal Army.
Dimsdale (Jester): The only commoner on His Grace's Court is the jester Dimsdale. Claiming to be from a place called Pelosia (home of the so-called "Magic Item Factory"), he is unable to cast magic of any sort and utilizes a vast array of items at his disposal. He is consistently friendly and will answer even to the most insulting of names. He states that his position is somewhere within "herald," "lackey," "servant" and "pissboy." A passionate historian and sage himself, Dimsdale is always a person to talk to about local lore.
After the introductions were complete, a heckler in the crowd challenged His Grace on, claiming that he was simply another incarnation of the "man in the tabard" putting down the common man.
Refusing to allow this peasant naysayer to be justly strung up, His Grace took the opportunity to state his policy of a "Clean Slate," declaring that all criminals now possessed the chance to redeem themselves, and if a criminal with a record was brought forward, their past crimes would not be considered in regards to their new punishment.
With this declaration, His Grace has created an atmosphere of fairness and newness, allowing all to attempt to live within the good graces of the King's Law and the shining light of Chivalry. Appeased by this, and with a veiled threat of hard labor, the heckler appeared to be appeased.
The Duke then announced a great feast in honor of the people of Ashbury within the tavern, and announced a magic item would be given out to the group that provided the best entertainment.
The Baronial Courts were then all granted audience with the new Ducal Court. Little information is available from these secret meetings, but it is known that Duke Aramis accepted oaths of fealty from all of his Barons and their knights in their own words. Gauging the response and poise of his Barons and their courts clearly granted significant insight to the new Ducal Court as to the strengths and weaknesses of his new vassals.
It is also known at these meetings discussions on the reptile forms of spirit stored knight Sir Morlox and Squire Caleb Hand commenced, and His Grace apparently grandfathered Sir Morlox from a decree that none of his knights or Barons is to take the form of a "monster." Wishing that all of his knights be shining examples for which the people can admire, monster forms are forbidden by His Grace to his vassals. Sir Morlox and Squire Caleb were ordered not to extend their rituals or they would lose their titles, and it was apparently stated to Squire Caleb that he would not ascend to knighthood as long as he holds his reptile form. No restrictions were placed on golem bodies.
The Baronial Courts were apparently also informed that they would not be allowed to administer justice on Ducal Estates (including Ashbury), and His Grace's duly appointed magistrates would suffer that duty. Sir Eros then explained that a few laws would be changed, including the immediate removal of laws concerning libel and slander.
Later that evening a wonderful feast was in full swing when entertainment was announced by Dimsdale. His beginning words stated that he would challenge any member of the audience to a "War of the Puns." With great reluctance, despite 10 crowns being up for grabs, Sir Jaret Deliar girded up his loins for perhaps one of the most grueling fights of his life. His Grace initially selected "trees" as the topic and the court jester and Ducal Paladin sparred with some of the most vile puns ever heard in the Dragon's Flagon. As Sir Jaret had the Twit on the ropes, the jester "con-seed-ed" and rewarded the knight for his efforts.
The entertainment competition then proceeded. The musical talents of Kelsea Laone entertained many a tavern goer with a short song on the perils of failing experiments for Guildmistress Shalizar. Baron Radric, seemingly caught in the fervor of Shalizar stories, told a most scandalous and hilarious tale about the love affairs of Ashbury's legendary Guildmistress and Lord Justice. Chip the Gypsy however stunned the crowd with a wonderful song, eliciting rampant approval from a majority of the Ducal Court and winning a significant magic item!
With the end of the competition, the Duke announced the position of Paladin had been accepted by ex-Duchess Dame Mara to further aid in the testing of squires, thus giving Ashbury three Paladins (and four if you count His Grace who stated that he would be part of any major decision made by his Paladins).
In a heartfelt toast, the Duke then offered up words of honor to Duke Bryan Nordenn and Dame Sonya Dawntreader who had died in battle for the Duchy.
The Duke the announced a brief combat tournament to follow on the morrow before Commoner audiences.
He also surprised and pleased many of the gypsies in attendance by announcing that gypsy curses would no longer be illegal in Ashbury.
Before ending a joyous and enjoyable evening, His Grace made an important announcement in regards to the formation of military unit called the "Phoenix Guard." Named for the Guard of his past, the Duke asked that all candidates seek out the Chancellor and the Chamberlain for an audience. Explaining that this was a commoner only group who would serve as an honor guard for His Grace as well as aiding in apprehending criminals and conducting important tasks for this grace, he stated that a magical tabard would be rewarded in addition to a commission for each member of the Guard.
Finally the Duke announced that all commoner adventurer groups that applied for a formal Ducal Charter would be rewarded with a monthly commission and would be assigned tasks in the name of His Grace. All groups interested in such a monetary commission were ordered to see the Chamberlain.
With the rising of the noon day sun, the Duke sponsored several military bouts among his new citizens. A classic three person competition was sponsored, as well as a three person free for all, and a last-one-standing competition. In addition, a classic caster's tournament was offered for all willing to attend.
The winners of the first competition was a team made of Baron Radric, Sir Morlox, and Brentorin, who also managed to win the free for all also against overwhelming odds. The "Last One Standing" competition went to Brentorin, with the casting competition going to Squire Caleb Hand when Sir Zachary Imprisoned himself to break the stalemate from the two casters who were out of spells. This automatically disqualified Sir Zachary since spells of the 9th level are prohibited by the rules of the competition, but this honorably gave Caleb the win.
The next day clearly was a historic one in the history of military units of Ashbury as Hagen, Kaylin, Vicconius, Squeeky, Ackerly, Arthamus, Cervantes and Alexander all came forward to apply to become members of the Phoenix Guard. They were immediately dispatched to recover important information born by a Ducal Researcher in regards to the lizardman attacks on the Duchy. Successfully negotiating a tricky situation with the Goblin King known as the "Brain," the first task of the Phoenix Guard was accomplished with poise and dignity. After that successful run, other commoners have expressed interest in joining the Guard and have spoken to the Chamberlain and the Magistrate, who plans on having the Guard help in the apprehending of criminals.
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on the night of September 20th and will be conducted in a secret location.
The Ashbury Times would like to honor His Grace for his commitment to seeing Ashbury blossom under his rule. Long Live Duke Aramis Llyrr, Lord of the Four Peoples!
With the Death of Rysa last March, the Brethren of Mishrak seem to have significantly grown in strength leading to assaults across the areas of lower Trellhiem, and the ducal fiefs. Within the capital itself, significant forces of lizardmen have been appearing and with a suicidal fury have proceeded to attempt to kill themselves while recklessly attempting to take a few of our citizens with them.
Strange intangible lizardmen began to appear within the capital itself on the eve of the new Duke's arrival. Randomly wandering and searching for their beloved leader Mishrak, the lizardmen caused befuddlement among the citizens as the scaled beasts solidified at random intervals in a variety of locations&emdash;there was momentary disorientation followed by periods of intense violence. Citizens listening to the chanting of the "spirit" lizardmen indicated that without a doubt the lizardmen were searching for their lost leader: Mishrak the Undying.
That evening, significant forces of "spirit" lizardmen solidified and assaulted many of our citizens. Several powerful war parties appeared later in the evening, seemingly protecting powerful brethren leaders who began to attempt to drive bone shards into the chests of our citizens.
The barony of Trellhiem was instrumental in dispatching many of these war parties and capturing at least three of these strange shards before they could be used. Showing vague signs of magical dwoemer, their use was a mystery until two lizardman war parties appeared in rapid succession and managed to drive a bone shard into the heart of Squire Enoch of Trellhiem and mere minutes later Squire Orion of the Ash Forest.
When Squire Orion was assaulted, the reptile shaman spoke silent words over his unconscious form and screamed "I have awakened you Mishrak! Rise and destroy your enemies!"
These two unfortunate squires then transformed into hideous reptilian beasts, with enormous strength, densely armored skin, and the ability to spit a poison that caused instant death to its recipients.
Appearing during the battle, the victims of this vile impregnation were dispatched after a time of berserk rampage and taken to the Mages' Guild where they were examined by Senior Guildsman Modi Ioki. Upon identification, a magical transformation and possession were identified.
Clearly the two individuals were under the influence of some spiritual entity. After significant trial and error, both victims were killed and successfully Lifed, removing the vile taint of the bone shard.
Some believe that these bones were once from the skeleton of Mishrak himself, saved and preserved by the powerful lizardman cult known as the Brethren of Mishrak.
In addition to these bizarre attacks, many weak and sickly lizardmen appeared with their forces, lacking their natural protective thick hides and apparently missing glands typically thought to be related to "spitting" various horrible droplets that cause nausea, poisoning, and sometimes even death.
With the morning's light, several strange areas were noticed within the environs surrounding the capital. Four intangible "nodes" took form, but were unreachable to citizens of the duchy. The areas appeared as a chest, a crate, a crevasse, and a corpse. Attempting to utilize all sorts of magics revealed nothing about the sites.
Alex the dark elf and several members of the Sarr Embassy thought to examine the strange sigils above the chest, and immediately thought to try and summon the famous Spiritualist Madame Charisma to look at the locations and attempt to glean information from her on their relevance.
Meanwhile, Derek Dreamweaver conducted significant research with the aid of the Guildmistress of the Sages' Guild, Alex Attleboro. While research did not seem to glean too much information that was not already known, some small relevant tidbits rewarded Derek and the Guildmistress for their efforts.
All day long, the forces of the Brethren attacked but were driven back by the capable warriors of Ashbury. However, one encounter of note was the attack of a six legged lizard, apparently a basilisk. Rumored to have been encountered the previous evening and on the roads during the day, this creature apparently possessed the ability to Imprison by shooting a glowing beam from its eyes.
Several victims were rapidly imprisoned by the wandering beasts and engulfed, causing the prison to drop but the victim to die. Both Baron Olin and Professor Turlough Kuranes were attacked by these small lizard creatures, and only a violent chase through the woods saved both from an unfortunate indigestion.
Just before nightfall, lizardmen warriors appeared from the swamps of the Amaranth. The Amaranth swamp is the site of the famous Mourna Massacre&emdash;perhaps the origin to all of the problems Ashbury now faces. Recolonized several months ago with the help of Duke Bryan Nordenn and Baron Tristan Greycloak, the people of the Amaranth and the lizardmen formerly ruled by Rigel seem to have nurtured a lasting peace.
The Sons of Rigel, fearing to be absorbed by the Brethren and forced to kill themselves to recover Mishrak, revealed significant information of strange suicidal purgings among the lizardmen in order to somehow facilitate contact with their Undying King, Mishrak.
As a show of good faith of their new found peace, the Sons of Rigel offered to take citizens to investigate the ceremonies in an effort to prevent the Brethren's power from growing stronger.
Late in the afternoon, two bards were found wandering blankly about the area, and their necks displayed very conspicuous vampire fang marks. Apparently enslaved, the bards proceeded to wander around informing the citizens that members of the Ragnis were coming later in the evening. The Ragnis, also called the Blood Dragons, are the followers of the former vampire Rysa who was dispatched by the cleansing hand of Squire Yngvar Holindarn and the members of Trellhiem last March when Rysa's forces charged to kill former vampire Lorin Alfenwen.
Although the group was thought to all be dead, three vampires appeared as promised later in the evening. The leader spoke with the Duke and his citizens and offered to lead them to the lair of a faction of the Brethren called the Vaegris.
The vampires claimed they wanted to be set free (as all vampires seem to do) provided that the Duke would see that all pollution from the mines of Lake Oliver were ended. Significant interplay began between the creature and His Grace and continued until the lizard and the Duke came to a sort of understanding and the undead beast claimed it would return before a hour's time had passed to lead the Ashbury warriors to the lair.
While the undead was gone, the citizens and baronial teams decided that they would no longer tolerate undead beings in any form no matter what they promised, and they devised a plan to destroy the vampire when it returned.
Remaining in a gaseous form, the creatures reappeared an hour later to lead the citizens to the lair of the Vaegris. Baron Radric distracted the vampire, giving several citizens enough time to get a circle around the beast and an Imprison on the Baron. Solidifying once it had recovered from its startled predicament, the emissary was beaten into the ground and quickly staked.
With a cheer, the town happily and joyously appreciated their first victory against the undead. The undead apparently though were not amused at their apparent ambush being uncovered and pounded up the hillside from the forest and river and besieged the town for at least an hour, but the heroes of Ashbury once again prevailed piledriving them into piles of dust.
Later that evening, the Sons of Rigel returned and convinced individuals to come and view the ceremony of the Brethren. Baron Agnar, Derek Dreamweaver, Lady Azrael, Squire Caleb, Orion, Rasq, and Drakonis all managed to move silently to a dark cave where they could overhear the talking of Brethren elders to their subordinates.
Before them they saw two cloaked lizardmen shamans speaking to kneeling lizardmen, speaking of their need to die in order that the Brethren could continue to search the spirit world for Mishrak. Preparing them, the lizard wizards then killed their servants who immediately went to resurrect and intoned three words. With a flash of light and smoke a strange colorfully dressed being appeared before the lizardmen demanding if they knew the correct words to utilize the chair. The impatient being, commended them for killing so many of our people in order for the Throne to come, but called them idiots for not learning the correct words.
The lizardmen starting mumbling a variety of gobbledygook and haphazard guesses, until the being, bored with their display of utter foolishness, told them to use the chair if they wanted to.
When the shamans sat in the chair, they seemed to die but then turned into a spirit form to wander away into the darkness. With a laugh of glee, the caretaker and the strange throne disappeared.
Approaching the dark cave, the adventurers began to investigate; however out of the dark reaches of the rear of the cave an angry hissing ensued as a long serpentine head appeared to attack the assembled party. Dozens of heads spilled out of the dark hole, revealing a powerful hydra. As the adventurers slew a head it would regrow back to continue to assault the warriors. Squire Caleb's thick reptilion hide protected him from many of the smaller heads, and with the defensive strategies of the group they dispatched the creature after several minutes of intense fighting. Baron Agnar himself penetrated the heads to attack the body of the creature, thus killing it.
Investigate the cave further did not apparently reveal any other strange occurrences. . . but while discussing the strange ceremony, one of the party repeated the words and the chair reappeared. The strange caretaker seemed overjoyed to have new guests and the adventurers questioned him.
Introducing himself as Malfolio, the creature explained that the chair was created by Mishrak to enter the spirit world. His role in the chair's appearance seemed to be simply one big gag to him, as he delighted in playing with the over zealous lizardmen and getting them to kill themselves.
After explaining many powers of the chair, Malfolio's demeanor took a more violent turn when the party explained they did not want to use the chair. Malfolio sighed, saying "This is far too reasonable, and I despise reasonable."
He attacked and hurled berserk poisons at the party, causing Drak and Caleb to immediately fill with a frenzy of blood boiling anger. They assaulted their companions, but Baron Agnar made short work of his reptilion ally, and called the retreat as the creature hurled well over a dozen of the poison at the adventurers. As they retreated, Malfolio danced about singing "I'll see you soon."
On Sunday morning, the lizardmen attacked with sporadic fury, but seemed to lack any large decisive victories. Perhaps the most frightening event of that day was the encounter with a great basilisk. This long segmented creature moved with a fluid grace that seems to offset its great length.
Appearing on the dark paths in the woods and led by a saurian handler, the basilisk confronted members of the baronies of Trellhiem, Nordenn, and the Ash Forest in the woods. As the battle began, the saurian handler was careful to frequently heal the beast as the heads ravished the adventurers, almost coiling around the assembled opponents.
The creature engulfed several citizens including Baron Olin, Drak, and Orion. Leaving several imprisoned adventurers for later snacks, the enormous behemoth confronted reinforcements and was dispatched only after a long and difficult fray. Engulfed adventurers received Life spells in time.
As the battle waned, adventurers drifted away as the segments were cut open and searched for goodies, but as the barony of the Ash Forest remained investigating when the creature seemed to miraculously regenerate before their eyes! Outnumbered and outgunned, they retreated hastily during the moment of disorientation the creature was apparently undergoing.
As reinforcements arrived, the creature was slain again, and each segment was carefully inspected to make sure it was properly killed.
Soon after, another basilisk appeared and the adventurers of Ashbury defeated another of the beasts but not without escorting a half dozen imprisoned people from the field of battle. The handler of the beast was questioned thoroughly by the barony of Trellhiem, and the creature revealed significant information about the Clutching Grounds of Javeris, where the lizardmen apparently have bred dozens of these creatures.
On Sunday evening, apparently not willing to wait for someone to summon the chair, Malfolio reappeared. He was sitting in the chair, declaring how disappointed and bored he was that no one wished to enter the spirit world. He was flanked by at least a dozen colorful friends.
Making sure that everyone would listen to him (clearly a being that demanded attention), Malfolio explained the rules to use the chair, and explain his general philosophical feelings, and why he was slumming in Ashbury. Apparently he was very much attracted to the strange and mysterious black maws and was very pleased by the Dark Narrator's story and insanity. He asked who was going to use the chair.
Declaring once again the needs to know the words necessary to travel there, Sir Jaret offered to step through and travel to Javeris! Seemingly impressed that they had learned a name associated with the chair, Malfolio rose and let Jaret sit in the chair. This killed Jaret instantly but propelled his spirit on some sort of magical spirit walk (a Spirit Flight perhaps?).
Jaret appeared within an enormous circle of power on hot sands. Seeing dozens of lizardmen outside the circle and the large hulking form of something beneath the sand, Jaret quickly sat within a copy of the chair nearby and reappeared in Ashbury.
Telling the people assembled they would wait for Javeris the next day if they wanted to go, Sir Jaret pressed for more information on the narrator, asking to know the next chapter of the story out of control. With a smile Malfolio announced that the next chapter was called "Kill them"&emdash;and the creatures began hurling berserk poisons and other magical nastiness which caused a tremendous fray despite their weakened size.
Apparently amused at the mania, Malfolio disappeared in his chair laughing but extremely damaged by many berserked recipients of his powerful attacks.
With the darkness ever falling, Madame Charisma walked into town amidst the seeming morass of wandering lizardmen spirit forms circling and hissing for their master. Madame Charisma discussed the spirit sigils over the spectral caches of items such as the crate and the chest, and determined she would have to conduct a seance in order to determine their meaning.
As the seance started, and while most of the town slept relatively peacefully, a small group gathered around the seance table. Among those present were Barons Agnar, Squire Caleb, and Lady Azrael. They gathered around the seance table as the spirits of the lizardmen forms seemed to chant in a whirlpool about the table. Seemingly aging as she spoke to the participants, Madam Charisma was unable to gain information and sought around the table the permission to summon Mishrak himself in order to penetrate the barriers within the spirit world.
Calling out his name, the Spiritualist of the Malreaver clan summoned the Undying One only to see sitting opposite her a kind and gentle being with a pure aura of serenity on its face. As the Madame was rendered in a state of trance, the spirit in a kind but disembodied voice asked who had summoned it.
As the people around the table talked to Mishrak they attempted to convince him that his people had lost their way and his sons Rysa and Rigel were tricked to becoming vampires by the powerful Dragon Mage Loscarnos De Morganna. Listening but unconvinced of his people's fall from civilization, Mishrak constantly asked for reasons why his people were making war and why they were screaming for his return. Promising to return to his people Mishrak departed, but not before issuing a warning: If you have lied to me I will wage war against you across two worlds. Leading his people away, they disappeared into the night, and Madame Charisma awoke from her trance.
With rapid sharpness, Madame Charisma identified the sigils and their names, but seemingly chose specific individuals to attempt to locate the areas and investigate them. Those chosen to attempt to investigate the chair were Baron Radric, Alex the Dark Elf, Derek Dreamweaver, and Chip. After gaining the names, the four strode outside and called off three magic words that summoned Mishrak's throne and one by one they sat upon the chair and declared the name of one of the Sigils.
Navigating the spirit world, they were confronted by strange beings. Each adventurer used a difficult tactic to get to the location of the spirit trove and gain access to its secrets. Alex used stealth, Derek used speed, Radric used martial prowess, and Chip used intellect and caution. All managed to gather the troves to themselves and successfully return to the chair, richer and somewhat frazzled from their challenging escapades.
With dawn approaching, the lizardmen continued to press their attacks but were thwarted, and towards the rising of the noon sun Malfolio once again reappeared with his chair and his minions.
Malfolio offered the citizens of Ashbury to once again utilize the chair&emdash;to go to the Clutching Grounds of Javeris! At first the citizens, noble and commoner alike, seemed wary about attacking the nesting place of the lizardmen until Malfolio seemingly played his final cards.
He announced that the magical beasts the lizardmen seemed to be raising were in fact due to the magical nature of Javeris&emdash;that it was the former Clutching Grounds of a Dragon&emdash;causing the place to be endowed with strange properties and magical residues. He said that Ashbury could once and for all strike the lizardmen and destroy the eggs.
With reluctant agreement that this was indeed a wise choice, all of the adventurers present journeyed to Javeris and appeared with a great circle of power of at least one hundred yards across.
With the arrival of the adventurers, the lizardmen tending the eggs outside the circle grew angry and furious. One large male ordered the guardian to attack. Out of the sands itself, rose a great hydra with many colorful heads.
The heads themselves seemed to have strange powers and abilities&emdash;each one unique and each one having different defensives and strengths.
The heads lashed out of the sand at attacked the assembled adventurers. The adventurers struggled against the chromatic beast holding it at bay. Squire Enoch heroically rushed in and inflicted a significant amount of harm onto the hydra's body with assistance from Baron Radric before being driven back. Sir Zachary rushed forward and accurately deposited several Ice Storms into the creature and Brentorin placed three mighty blows into the beast, which finally killed the creature, preventing the heads from regenerating.
With the death of the serpent, the stomping of the eggs began&emdash;hundreds of progeny smashed beneath the righteous feet of Ashbury! A few citizens were reportedly seen to have taken whole eggs in their possession, but without significant luck and ability, the likelihood of bringing the beasts to term is minimal.
As the Ashbans returned to their city through the chair, many wondered how Mishrak will react upon his return. The big question is whether peace will forever be a fable in some inaccessible children's story.
Several crackling spheres have recently appeared within the capital city. However, these new spheres seemed to be controlled by some sort of caretakers, completely and utterly black, without a face.
Some citizens have dubbed these strange and clearly evil beings as "Maw Phantoms" as they remain in a spirit form and cannot apparently be killed by normal means.
One such attack occurred upon the arrival of the Ducal Court. The strange Phantom and the black sphere appeared at the edge of Gwendolyn's Field and as the Phantom chanted, "Once upon a time there was a Duke who reign ended before it began," undead started pouring out of the black sphere. They were led by Lord Morbid a liche of Thessi himself. The undead, apparently weakened somewhat during the day, gave a terrible fight, and Lord Morbid killed several individuals before being summarily spanked by His Grace and Squire Yngvar of Trellhiem.
With the death of the liche, the undead tide trickled to nothing and the Phantom disappeared.
The second maw apparently appeared the following Monday morning. A familiar voice beneath the black face was recognized as the hobling spinner Nophalis, apparently serving his new master with great delight, who stated that "Mythistopheles" sends his greetings. In a sort of candid way he simply stated, "Six may enter, six may not leave."
Sir Jaret, Guildmistress Natasha, Derek Dreamweaver, Lady Azrael and Orion, apparently endowed with the ability to enter, dived into the black maw. They safely returned hours later with apparently little or no ill effects, telling tales of battling golems.
Elsewhere, Black Maw activity remained as high, chaotic, and mysterious as ever, with no end in sight:
The estate of Neumacht saw the recent visitation of a black maw surrounding the brewery, but apparently being unable to harm the accursed place any further, it disappeared. Many brewers have disappeared though, and some of the recent shipments have had a distinct sausage taste.
Within the barbarian freehold estate of Smallborough, a black maw appeared spirit forging all individuals within a small village to celestial casters (complete with resurrection).
Several strange insect beings have apparently appeared outside of the estate of Kelanor, and immediately sought the nearest set of natural caves and began moving huge boulders around and manufacturing defensive enclosures. Citizens have been afraid to approach these new beings, and at present, it is unclear as to whether their appearance is related to the Maws at all.
In the estate of Alhanoreol, several flattened elves have appeared along roads. Further investigation showed that local trees had huge smear marks on them. These apparent animated trees (although different from the last) have been cordoned off by the Chosen and are being investigated. Several talking squirrels have also been harassing passers by at the edge of a small black sphere in the area, including several migrating wild elf tribes.
A black sphere appeared at the edge of Battlewoods, and skeletons of fallen trolls and humans arose and renewed their battle, with the victory won by the forces of Evendarr once again.
For many, the most disturbing result of the Black Maws has been the appearance of one in the area of Jared, where the large field of forget-me-nots has served as a source for the elixir which shares its name. Somehow, this Maw has caused all forget elixirs across the duchy to lose their power, causing some rather embarrassing results in the process and hastening the arrest of a number of criminals who used the elixirs unknowing of their impotency.
Around end of August, the city of Dragonhart began experiencing some unusual occurrences. People began acting strangely, unlike their normal personalities, as if all their hidden repressions had been loosened and set free.
More monsters were seen within city limits and criminal activity reached an all time high.
There has also been a very high lizardman presence, which is very bizarre since they have not been seen in Dragonhart for more than five years.
Most significantly, a large undead presence began being seen in the area, led by a strange being calling for "Alaric to arrive and accept his destiny!"
Ex-Duke Alaric Dragonhart has been training troops in northern Nordenn under orders from Princess Lillian. It is not known if he is aware of the attacks on his hometown, but the latest reports state that he has suddenly taken a "leave of absence."
The citizens of this area have been abandoning their homes in this time of crisis, and the city is all but deserted, save for some brave adventurers, guild leaders, local guards, and many unwelcome monsters and undead.
Duke Aramis has decided that this requires his immediate attention and is traveling to the estate along with his entourage. Local nobles and adventurers are requested but not ordered to join him there.
Good People of Ashbury,
As I have stated, I do not possess the bardic flair for speech-making as some; however, when I sit calmly and write out a letter, I can plan what I say much more efficiently, in the same manner as when planning an effective strategy.
The first order of business would be to thank you all for the welcome I received upon assuming the ducal throne. I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and gaiety of the Feast and warmed to the energy and excitement of the first Ducal Games.
Now I will explain my intentions here, as a few of my nobles seem to possess a burning curiosity that flares in their eyes just behind the shades of politeness and decorum.
I task you all to study the history of this duchy. Let its glorious tale of the sacrifices made both during its formation and its continual defense scar itself into your good hearts. Let it fill you with an irrepressible pride as you hear the songs of honor of its fallen heroes and know that their legacy is yours. This is a land that has been forged out of much blood, of tears, of the combined dreams of many brave spirits. These heroes gave their all to the creation and security of this realm and they have now passed it into your hands.
Good People, go out to Gwendolyn's Field, stand in its center, close your eyes and hear the painful and triumphant cries of the past. Take up a portion of its earth into your hands and know that you have the capability to help shape the destiny of the realm.
That is the legacy of those who have sacrificed themselves for Ashbury.
I will not let those heroic efforts be in vain.
I intend to see Ashbury rise back to its former state of glory. Ultimately, it is my wish to make this realm safe and secure, for its proud people to prosper and all to live in peace. I have been told that this is an impossible cause. Well, as my dear Chancellor is fond of calling me, I am a champion of impossible causes. I will achieve as much as I can before death finally takes me. That is all anyone can do.
This is my pledge to the land and the people. I ask not so much that you believe in me, My People, but that you believe in yourselves. For all of us can achieve ultimate peace for our realm. Remembering this, let us always stand together as we did against the vampire my first night in the duchy. At that moment, as we developed and implemented a plan that lead to the undead's destruction, I felt a pride and oneness that comes only with standing together, united in a righteous cause. Let our future combined efforts be our one voice that thunders a threatening warning to all who seek to subdue or destroy us.
Together, we are an overwhelming, insurmountable force. Alone, we are an undisciplined mass to be herded by the whims of any invading body.
I am proud to accept the ducal throne of Ashbury. I may not always make the correct or best decisions. No one who is sincere can promise this. I live by my heart and honor and all I can promise to you, my Good People, is that I will always try to make the right decisions and accept the consequences of my actions.
Yours in Truth and Honor,
Duke Aramis Llyrr
by Sir Eros Clearbrook
It is the opinion of His Grace and myself that too often citizens tie up valuable time of the Magistrate and the Sheriff with petty problems that can best be solved if the two aggrieved parties merely discuss their differences. Not every assault should necessarily come to the attention of the Guard. Remember that Honor Combat is perfectly legal as long as both parties agree to the terms and there is a witness of Guard rank or higher.
This is one of the reasons why His Grace has made gypsy curses legal. A person who is cursed has to work with the person who cursed him or her to solve their differences, thus allowing the citizens of this duchy more freedom. Note that if the local gypsies begin to abuse this, the Duke may change his mind.
So far, only one case has come before me&emdash;the murder in the Sarr embassy&emdash;and as of yet, there is not enough evidence to try anyone.
Let me note that in all cases, I attempt to not do any investigation so as not to prejudice myself in the trial stage. If you have a crime to report, you must bring this to the attention of Sir Larson the Sheriff who will conduct the investigation and bring suspects before me for trial.
Some have asked why the Sheriff and Magistrate are nobility when traditionally these posts have been filled by commoners with honorary "Lord" or "Lady" titles. His Grace feels that, especially in a large city such as Ashbury with its many troubles and many nobles, it is imperative that the Sheriff and Magistrate have noble powers to conduct our investigations and trials. This also prevents nobles from ordering us to not perform an investigation or to ignore evidence, thus preserving our independence. Finally, Duke Aramis believes that nobles who have sworn oaths to him and to the Code of Chivalry are better equipped to handle much of the difficult decisions that must be made in a trial.
There are not enough nobles to have a knight in charge of every estate however, and the Sheriffs and Magistrates in other Ducal estates outside of the local fiefs will still be commoners.
One last comment I would like to make. His Grace has decreed that when approaching one of higher rank than yourself, you must bow and wait for that person to allow you to rise. (You do not have to bow every time you pass a noble, but only when coming to address that noble; also in the midst of battle, you are not expected to bow every time you wish to say "Sir So-and-so! Look out behind you!"). I will be lenient as Ashbury gets used to this, but as time goes by, those who do not cooperate may be charged for disobeying an order of His Grace.
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D'Onym
Hardly any room this month so let's go!
Baron Radric gave a typically hobling-like toast at Duke Aramis' feast&emdash;the toast itself turned into a long somewhat rambling but very entertaining story about Shalizar and her many suitors and how poor little Radric never seemed to fit into her plans.
Suprisingly, the person most upset with the Shalizar and Justice marriage is Squire Caleb. It seems the convicted-murderer-spirit-stored-into-a-sentient-being is upset to think that foul play might be involved. He thinks Shalizar might have actually love poisoned Justice! There's a new twist on an old accusation.
Modi meanwhile has already left a bad impression on the new Ducal Court when he disobeyed an order of the Magistrate and then claimed that he didn't know he had to obey orders since he was only a commoner. Modi has other problems too as it seems that Kelsea is attempting to frame him for Tarabelle's murder.
Send me your gossip and maybe the editor will give me more space next time, and until then, remember&emdash;If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me!
Sunday night. August 31, 597, 5 days before her 18th birthday, Noghre Daradiith, publicly known as Tarabelle, was senselessly murdered in the Gorbe Embassy in Ashbury City. An investigation is currently going on, but that does not replace my dearest best friend, and mother of 10 children (that we know of. . .she was prolific to say the least). She cared greatly for the well being of her people and of the relations that Myrr and Evendarr had, and was striving for honor within her culture to obtain the post of Ashbury's Ambassador from Myrr when the current Ambassador's term of office expired.
Tara was a survivor who&emdash;rather than attack first and ask questions later&emdash;would be thoughtful and introspective, preferring to get things done right the first time.
Even after being enslaved last fall, she was a fighter, preferring to make her own way and trying her bonds as she could to be free, resurrecting on New Year's Eve after her captors failed in their attempts to subvert her.
Tara was a successful merchant and was responsible for `Kamar Dark' and `Kamar Light' Wines being introduced to Ashbury. She also wrote poetry.
She will be missed by many who loved and admired her.
"Challah ari boroyeh herish"
Kelsea Merdik
In the July/August edition of the Ashbury Times, your "A Little Birdie Told Me" column stated that the only elf on the Ash Forest Court was the Baron himself. This is not true. Derek Dreamweaver, Drakonius, Alexander, and myself are all elves. . .and members of the Ash Forest Court. Please make a note of this in the future.
Keldon Asurman, Knight of Virtue
To the non-AElven residents of the capital,
Despite the numerous protestations you made of the differences between our positions, I can see only one. I am a devotee of reasoned debate and civilized discourse, trained by a mere seven decades of life to state one's case in complete sentences, to face my opponent directly when speaking, and to always wait my turn. Whereas you (in the wisdom granted you by a handful of years) have learned evidently to value constant interruption, the use of teams of persons to deride a single speaker, undercurrents of snickering and muttered insults, and the wonderfully compelling tactic of drawing your opponent to one side to utter thinly-veiled threats against his person in dark corners. You'll pardon me if I am less than convinced by such methods.
And I understand also what appears to be the apex of your combined arguments, which is that you would slay me if the Law were not against you. I spent as long in the King's Army as most of you have alive, and need no such instruction, I assure you. Just as your parents corrected you as a child, when you ran about gathering up errors by the armful like flowers, so I attempt to correct the failures of my race. Not all of them are adults, and so they will not be consulted when the plan which affects their final good is put in place. How much less will any of you, with lives like those of mayflies, be asked to vote. So rest easy, and we shall salute you at a F.O.I.L. meeting in 647, or 797, long after you are dust.
To the Ashbury AElves among my newest followers: You saw at the meeting what the near future holds in store for any who dare to publicly affirm the truth. Fear not&emdash;I guarantee to those of you who have joined the ranks complete confidence and security from harassment, until such time as you personally are ready to add your light to this breaking dawn. We shall win, as surely as that dawn will someday break. In the meantime, your contributions and unspoken support are greatly appreciated. You have your passwords and contacts; each successive public meeting will be easier and less lonely than the last, until finally we take that historic vote.
To the Savages, who insist on the title of Elf (Wild), if someone will do the courtesy of reading this to them:
It is not true that I ever wished you dead, directly. There will certainly be those among you stubborn enough to resist the wind, and they will of course be blown away&emdash;but I do not wish that, I only foresee it. Nor did I ever say that I see no place for you in Evendarr, despite what many of the louts trying to shout me down from the back would have you hear (mayhap I remind them of someone else, a mayfly from their own races with some passing resemblance, but I pay no heed to the history of hours when my mind is drawn to the work of centuries). I say again, there are certainly places for many of you in Evendarr; not in the Wood, certainly; but you know that too in your hearts, the Tree needs no mouth to speak it. In fact, I would be happy to see Wild Elves every time I visit a major city in this kingdom.
After all, I love the zoo.
To the Future, and the Unadulterated Society,
Free Our ContamInated Land!
Teril Belayson
Obituaries
Syrus: Syrus the Sarr died permanently after taking his own life on September 1st. He had died the previous day in an assault on the Sarr Embassy and after resurrecting and learning of Tarabelle's permanent death, comitted suicide to atone for his failure to protect her. He leaves behind many friends and mourners.
Tarabelle: Noghre Daradiith, publicly known as Tarabelle, died her final death on Sunday, August 31st after being murdered in the Sarr Embassy. She is known to have had at least 10 children and many times that the friends.
Tolyn Merik: Early Saturday morning, August 30, Tolyn Merik died his final death. The 22 year old Biata's body was found in the tavern after he failed to resurrect . He was loved and will be missed dearly by his adoptive family, Hagen and Kelsea Laone Merdik, his adoptive brother Kaylin Laone, and his foster sister Felice. Memorial will be held in Thrommel, Saturday September 6, 597. Condolences may be sent to the Ashbury Commoners Guild.
Public Notices
REWARD OFFERED for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Tara Belle and Silas in the Sarr Embassy on Sunday, August 31st. See the Sheriff or Magistrate for details. All information kept strictly confidential.
TRUXTON: She's of no use to you now. Give me back my daughter. I am willing to negotiate. &endash; Mara Nordenn
HONORED FAMILY OF BRANDYWINE: The Barony of Trellheim wishes to welcome the Bindlefey family to Ashbury City, and we hope their business will continue to flourish within our capitol. The Bindlefey family should not hesitate to call upon our court for any assistance. &endash; Baron Radric Hellfax
SHALIZAR AND LORD JUSTICE: I meant no harm from my tavern tales. Please view my hobling indiscretion as a comical tribute to two of my oldest friends. Please accept my apology at this time, and know I honor you both with this public requital. &endash; Baron Radric Hellfax
MERCENARIES AND ADVENTURERS: The Barony of Trellheim is forming an expeditionary force to scout and possibly defend the estate of Trollsgate. Our Army is split between several campaigns and we need additional troops to form a new division to investigate this delicate situation. Generous wages will be awarded to all recruits, but the rate will vary with each individual's military experience and combat skill. All interested parties should travel to Blackbourne Keep and seek Squire Enoch or Squire Caleb for immediate conscription. &endash; Baron Radric Hellfax
TARABELLE: You will be revenged.
IF YOU ARE CAPABLE and willing to teach some of the rarer skills, we have requests we are unable to fill. In particular, if you can teach weaponsmithing, advanced fighting skills, and ritual casting, please contact Prof. Turlough Kuranes, Ashbury Teacher's Guild, or notify the public via this newspaper.
LOOKING FOR MITHRIL, and components for Circle of Power. &endash; Gilwing The Dwarf.
JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). AElves of Ashbury, band together to rid society of the menace of the savage Wild Elves! Ward the Wold! Join the society of freethinking, civilized beings who will work to effect a better culture, unfettered by adulteration and horrid admixture. Send your names, requests for membership cards, contributions and letters of support to: Teril Belayson, President and Treasurer, Belayson's Honey Farm, Elindil, Ash Forest.