For two decades locals of Woodwash have known to avoid parts of the forest in the estate. The woods have been known to be a hotbed for undead of all types, and no matter how many were destroyed, more were always found. Many adventurers over the years tried to make a name for themselves by ridding these woods of this threat, but none have suceeded.
When many Ashbury city residents came to Woodwash to accompany the Duke in his fact-finding mission to the front, a large force of powerful undead came out of these woods and attacked. They were dispatched, primarily by the court of the Ash Forest, but they were tough adversaries.
The current magistrate of the estate, Lady Amanda Willoughby, was heard telling the Ashbans that the magistrate and sheriff of old were convicted and executed of a crime of which they were innocent. The remains of the sheriff were scattered in the forest, while the remains of the magistrate were scattered in and about a local river.
Since that time, the woods have been haunted by numerous undead, though they rarely left the woods. The ever vibrant Dieter Dunkleberger, co-proprietor of Dunkle-berger’s Wilderness Outfitters, was heard to comment on this, “Ja, I hate those undead. They never buy anything.”
In addition to the magistrate’s information about the woods, a gypsy fortuneteller came to Woodwash and explained to the Ashban adventurers that the bones of the magistrate and sheriff had to be found in order to lift the curse of the woods and put their spirits to rest. Four bones had to be found for each of the cursed men: a foot, a skull, a leg bone and an arm. The Ashbans were also warned that higher level spells did not effect some of the undead in the forest and these undead were also immune to more skilled melee attacks.
Knowing this, the Ashbans split into two groups to retrieve the bones. The more seasoned adventurers headed for the magistrate’s part of the forest, while the fresher faces headed out to the sheriff’s neck of the woods.
Fighting was fierce in both sections of the woods. The magistrate and his minions sent three Ashbans to resurrect, while the sheriff and his undead put six spirits into the circle. All nine had to endure ressurections from the hobling siblings, the Dunklebergers, Dieter, Ilsa, Hama, and Helmut. Two of the magistrate’s bones were recovered, but this would only lead to more woes for the Ashbans.
Late Saturday night, an undead mystic wood elf, who can only be assumed to be a death rogue, went from inn to inn where the Ashbans were staying. Several people were dominated by him and questioned as to the location of the foot. He seemed to know that Ator the barbarian had found it, and was searching for Ator. After slipping into and out of the woods for several hours and harassing the town, the death rogue finally got Ator to leave the foot at a tree. The barbarian chieftan then walked away, but not before someone else had picked the foot up.
The death rogue continued to harass the town throughout the night, and when the Ash Forest chalet came under attack, used the opportunity to slip into the chalet and take down everyone inside. He then held the door and threatened to kill everyone inside unless the foot was brought to him. The town was also being threatened by a large mob of undead from the outside, so the foot was returned and the death rogue slipped into the night.
The next afternoon, another mob of undead came out of the forest. These undead, led by the undead sheriff, were unaffected by spells greater than a Cure Critical Wounds and unaffected by the more skilled warriors, who had to pull their blows. After much intense fighting, the undead were dispatched.
Where this leaves the small town of Woodwash is uncertain. Will the undead continue to attack the settlement now that the bones were disturbed instead of remaining within their forest? Will the Ashbans have to go back to quell this threat?
Vessel of Vapors Recovered!
The magical item known as the Vessel of Vapors, symbol of Ashbury’s pact with the enigmatic Lady of the Mists, has been returned.
The Vessel, a gift from the Lady, allows Ashbans to travel quickly to
parts of the realm when the need is great. It had been stolen from its
place at the Ashbury Healer’s Guild last spring.
It was recovered in an unusual way.
A group of adventurers in the Ducal Fief of Woodwash had answered what they believed to be a famer’s cry for assistance with a giant rodent problem. They followed the farmer out of the Dunkleberger Wilderness Supply Shop and onto the field. The adventurers were suddenly swallowed by the Enchanted Mists and swept away.
After about an hour passed, the adventurers appeared out the Enchanted Mists again and hurried off to their private quarters. It was later learned that they had successfully retrieved the Vessel of Vapors. Their identity is at this time being kept secret so as not to cause repercussions from the one who stole the Vessel.
High Sheriff Sir Morgansander, Paladin and commander of the Town Guard, told of how these adventurers had encountered the Lady of the Mists. Apparently, the Lady of the Mist had learned that Count Requin had gained the Vessel of Vapors and, since it didn’t work for him, had dispatched a detail of his troops to bury the vessel somewhere in the Blackbourne Compact. The Lady of the Mist intercepted this detail and brought them into the Enchanted Mists.
She then offered the adventurers and their companions the opportunity to seek Requin’s Maulers and retrieve the Vessel.
The Vessel was returned to Duke Aramis Llyrr who of course was most grateful to the brave adventurers. However, somehow the Maulers from the mist knew where to find the adventurers who had retrieved the Vessel and, later that night, came looking for them in an attempt to it steal back. Fortunately, their ambush was sprung too early and the adventurers of Ashbury subdued them. The Maulers were interrogated and it was discovered how Count Requin Drager got possession of the Vessel of Vapors.
When later asked how the Count gained possession of the magic cup, Duke Aramis Llyrr replied, “The matter has been addressed privately by the nobility of Ashbury. Just know that those responsible for this treasonous crime shall face the full weight of Justice.”
His Grace would say nothing more on the matter, but it is believed that an adventurer of Ashbury had stolen the Vessel of Vapors and offered it to Count Requin for a reward. The Ashbury Times will keep all readers informed of further developments.
Amani Council Reforms without Baron Agnar;
Lady Glen Named Ducal Paladin
After a tense and solemn meeting between Baron Agnar, Lady Azrael, and Amani Council members Lord Gwindor Greyhalm and Lady Elena Tir’Intorialian, a new and revamped Amani Council was announced — one that, for the first time, does not include the Ash Forest Baron or Baroness.
The Amani Council had ruled the Ash Forest for many hundreds of years, even before the establishment of the duchy of Ashbury. When Ashbury was formed and the Ash Forest Barony was established, Lorin Alfenwen, the leader of the Council, became the Baron and the council became his household. Among his knights was a much younger Lord Gwindor.
When Lorin was permanently killed in 560, his daughter Alicia Hollymsong became Baroness, and still most of the Amani Council was in her Court. However, her death after being turned into a vampire led to a troubled time in the Ash Forest, and the barony went through three separate leaders: Baroness Laurelin Goldsong, Baron Konrad Valinor, and now Baron Agnar Anti-tiburon.
None of these had been Amani Council members and none were very acceptable to the more traditional elements in the Forest. Baroness Laurelin attempted some major changes and found herself attacked by assassins. Baron Konrad insulted the Council by changing his wife into an Amani over the Council’s wishes after she failed a number of tests to see if she was worthy to be made into an elf. His appointment of Baron Agnar was seen as a slap in the face of the Council, and Baron Agnar’s Kiergani heritage obviously did not appeal to the Amani Council.
In addition, during the peace treaty talks of 599, Baron Agnar suggested that the Amani Council should be elected from the various estates which was seen as a direct attack on the Council’s power and influence.
However, it is primarily the fact of a Kiergani on the Council that has allowed radicals such as former Amani Ranger Teril Belayson gain power. As the leader of FOIL (Free Our contamInated Land), Teril argues for the removal of all Kiergani from the Forest, and saves his sharpest critiques for the Baron. “There is a nonAmani on the Amani Council!” he states in his speeches. “Will they next put a half orc on the biata council and a dark elf on the dwarven council? Where will it end?” His eloquent speeches have gained him a substantial following in the more conservative areas of the Forest.
Members of the Amani Council kept Baron Agnar at a distance, and have never held an official meeting while he has been Baron, instead making “informal” decisions behind the scenes. This, of course, did not help relations.
All this came to a head recently when Lord Gwindor met with the Baron. He announced that the Council had decided that in order to offset the Baron’s presence that Teril Belayson would be added to the Council to “balance out” Baron Agnar’s presence. This was totally unacceptable to the Baron.
After much discussion which was not held public, an agreement was made and a few days later, in an announcement in the Wold, Lord Gwindor announced the results of that meeting:
Effective immediately, Baron Agnar was resigning from the Amani Council. For efficiency’s sake in this modern and quickly changing world, the Council would be reduced to five members (none of whom are Teril Belayson): Lord Gwindor Greyhalm (fomer Court healer to Baron Lorin), Lady Elena Tir’Intorialian (scholar and author of the treatise “The Holidays of Ashbury”), Lady Glenduria Goodberry (former knight to Baron Lorin), Lord M’theran Kilentria (former knight to Baron Lorin), and Lord Elsinor Quicksilver (from one of the oldest and most established families in the Forest) .
In addition, and apparently in consideration for some previous agreements made, Lady Glenduria, former knight to Baron Lorin, would be named a Ducal Paladin to better serve the needs and interests of the Amani people. (The current list of Ashbury nobles is posted below.)
Baron Agnar remains in control of the Ash Forest, but the Amani Council still owns and runs the two freeholds in the Forest, including the Wold where the Tree is located.
The Nobles of Ashbury
The Ducal Court
Duke Aramis Lyrr, Duke of Ashbury
Dame Bodicia Ioki, Chamberlain
Sir Eros Clearbrook, Lord Magistrate
The Paladins of Ashbury:
Dame Glenduria Goodberry
Sir Jaret Delair
Dame Mara Tirane (retired)
Sir Morgasander, Lord Chancellor
Sir Polycarus Imago
Sir Rorn Skyhammer, High Sheriff
Other Nobles of Ashbury:
Sir Frost Vardik
Lady Dara Vardik
Ash Forest
Baron Agnar Anti-Tiburon
Blythedale
Baron Jonathan Dragonhart
Sir Daniel Star-Grimsby
Nordenn
Baron Olin Nordenn
Sir Du’gaul Darkfire
Sir Ivan Drake
Sir Zachary Blane
Labor Disputes Rock Woodwash
On Friday the 13th of this past month, the town of Woodwash was beset with acts of violence between members of Logging and Fishing factions. Everything from the Duke’s naval initiatives to Count Requin’s feindish ambitions have been blamed for the violence.
A small riot broke out in the middle of Dunkleberger’s Wilderness Outfitters when a rock was thrown, allegedly by a logger, at the head of Claudio Di Biagio, head of the fishermen faction. The person who threw the rock was found guilty of assault by Lord Magistrate Eros and fined appropriately but no other charges were brought.
The root cause of this, according to the parties, is the loggers’ plan of floating their logs down the Woodwash river to the city of Ashbury for the Duke’s naval yards to rebuild his fleet. This would cause no end of problems for the fishermen, whose livelihoods were threatened. The situation escalated to scuffles in the streets, arson, and even accusations of murder.
The situation has worsened and escalated recently because the drought has caused the river waters to ebb, causing problems for both the loggers and the fishers.
Vicenzo D’Onofrio, head of the loggers, was very vocal in his condemnation of the investigations. According to him, he was to meet with the Ashban nobles, but they did not meet him at the prearranged location. He has threatened to bring this to the Duke’s attention in Ashbury in short order. “Apparently the nobles in this Duchy only care about us common folk when their own purses are being threatened!” he said.
Violence has increased between the two factions and no end is seen in sight.
Some adventurers have insinuated that Count Requin was behind this, but no evidence has been produced to support this theory. “Sometime people just fight and argue on their own” said one observer who may have the right answer after all.
What is Happening to the Magic in Ashbury?
For the past several weeks, magical Wards and Circles of Power have been flickering like guttered candle flames, threatening to wink out. And now, all across the duchy, magical wards drop their protective barriers by nightfall. Fortunately, they rise again with the dawn. Not surprisingly, this unfortunate situation has lead to an increase in criminal activity such as theft and murder.
However, at least one group has benefited from this crisis. The Ashbury
Merchants Conglomerate often offers Security Services and now more than
ever before, said services are in high demand.
“It is unfortunate that people and their lives and goods are not as
safe at night as they normally are,” said Laranick Shadak, spokesman for
the AMC. “We of the AMC are very glad and very proud to be able to be of
assistance in this time of need.”
Rumors among the Mage’s Guilds of Ashbury say that magic is in a downward spiral and some believe it may altogether fade. Many mages hold a theory that magic plays a vital role in the sustaining of nature and should the magic die, so shall the world. One magician, who chooses to remain anonymous, had this to say: “Magic is indeed failing! Spells that cast magical protectives upon a person have become highly unstable. This is a very serious matter and I don’t feel that it is benig addressed with the proper urgency and somebody better do something and fast!”
In major cities of the duchy, doomsayers are literally crawling out of the woodwork pronouncing that the end of all life is drawing near and the night-time shadows are filled with dark spirits who whisper of terrible prophecies.
Will the upcoming century be a new beginning or an ending?
Battle and Stealth Games to be Held
Posters have appeared all over Ashbury city announcing a series of games run by somone named Zayazan arecto be held on the weekend of Friday, September 3rd through Monday, September 6th. The posters state in part:
Zayazan’s Stealth Game! Exact details of game will be revealed only to registered participants. One gold entry fee required. Five copper fee for materials supplied during the game and paperwork processing. All participants must register by midnight on Friday. Late registration is allowed, but entrants will be charged a one silver late fee. Game begins when you recieve your token. Game ends at 12:00 pm on Monday, September 6. The winner will recieve a cash prize based on the number of entrants, and the title of “Ashbury’s Stealthiest Citizen.” People of all professions are welcome to play!
Stealth not your style? Zayazan’s Sudden Death Single Combat: Saturday,
September 4th, 2 pm. For a mere one gold entry fee (required), participate
in a “round-robin style” one-on-one fighting match and see who’s the best!
The winner will receive a cash reward (based on number of entrants) and
the title of “Ashbury’s Best Fighter.” Registration closes two hours before
the event. Late entrants will be charged a one silver fee. See Zayazan
to enter. This event is weapons only please.
Not enough action for you? Zayazan’s All Out Melee! Sunday, September
5th, 2 pm. The fee is one gold for this true free for all! Bring your spells,
gas globes, and weapons! Contestants will gather in the field. After
the signal, they will fight until only one is left standing. That chosen
one will stand as “Ashbury’s Ultimate Fighter” and receive a cash reward
based on the number of entrants. Late entrants will be charged a one silver
fee. See Zayazan to enter.
Other rules are announced in the poster and will be reiterated at the events.
Ring of Sarr Slavers Defeated
High Sheriff and Paladin of the realm Sir Morgasander recently led a team of adventurers to a lone shack in the woods when scouts told him that child abduction was taking place nearby. Newly formed town guardsmen Greywolf Everstar, Alex Hawkwood, Dhalic Rhone, and Jason Regbilt were among the few that aided in the assault.
As the group searched the woods looking for the building, a scared, hungry child appeared out of the darkness and told them a tale. “A group of cat people kidnapped me and a few of my friends. I heard them say they were going to take us back to their country and either sell us or enslave us. I slipped out of a window when they weren’t looking.”
The child led the adventurers to the building where the group found
and defeated the sarr slavers and pirates. In a back room two children
were found bound and crying. They were freed and released into the custody
of their parents who had reported them missing earlier.
Dimsdale's Monster of the Month
Hello and how are you?
Well, you might not be doing too well if you have encountered one of the dark denizens of the local area. In my effort as a sage specializing in monsters, myths, and history I have decided to submit to Ashbury’s favorite rag The Ashbury Times! Every month I am going to put together with perhaps some peers a brief little article on those creatures that love to devour or torment us. This month I welcome you to read about our friend the Attercob, a nasty octopod with a penchant for blood.
The Attercob
Attercob are clever spider creatures with enough intelligence to master skills. Attercob typically live with or near colonies of spiders, often taking a leadership role. They do however sometimes inhabit burrows or lairs left by other creatures or inhabit dense forests and swamps where they construct elaborate web based communities. Attercob always serve a queen or ruler of some sort, and their mentality is often molded to the disposition of their ruler.
Attercob basically are not friendly to most warm blooded races. They tend to view themselves as superior and anything lesser then themselves as a food source. They have a tendency towards cruelty, tormenting their food before eating it. Attercobs typically give themselves some sort of grand name and title and demand respect from all those who “visit” their parlors or web cities — and are often somewhat mentally unbalanced. Attercob without a queen are extremely predatory and violent. Their actions without a queen are unpredicable and unplanned.
With a queen in power, attercobs tend to be a bit more structured, as the queen is responsible for assigning duties. The will of a queen is rarely questioned, for the queen is far more powerful and can master more advanced skills. To befriend the queen is to befriend her children. While attercob are always unpredictable and somewhat devious, they will honor bargains and alliances if enforced by the will of their queen.
Attercob have little preventing them from casting necromancy, unless the queen forbids it. Attercob often set ambushes and traps to gather food. Attercob offspring are referred to as bugglings and extremely vulnerable until they reach maturity one year after their birth. Many races including bullywugs and lizardmen find Attercob young to be a delicacy, and bad blood often exists between these races.
While attercob cannot control spiders like their queen they typically travel with their cousins in the same way humans deploy hunting dogs.
Attercob queens rarely if ever venture forth from the lair of their people. They often are heavy with eggs, limiting movement. They get very bored waiting for the kids to hatch, and tolerate interesting visitors or captives visiting them on occassion. (Eating the unentertaining at their leisure). The lair is often covered with still living “food” that failed to be interesting enough or appealling enough. The queen keeps such snackfood (usually live humanoids she or her brood have captured) readily on hands at all time.
Attercob typically have a black skin, with a red hour glass symbol upon their heads. They wield magics of sorts, and possess the ability to spit blobs of webs at their opponents. Attercob are completely immune to mind affecting spells, and those that confine as the life of a spider sort of revolves around such things. The bite of an attercob is deadly poisonous.
Look for me next month when I discuss the Vermicious Knid, Hornswaggler, and Wangdoodler.
Astrological Forecast
by Solemn Judgement
The final month of Summer (as it is known to the rustics) bears the
name of the Gryphon, a mighty and fierce creature of Fire, who flies closesat
to the Sun of all known creatures. The Sun itself is also dominant in this
month, bringing the longest days of the year before surrending to night.
This double-helix of vitality and energy signifies the element of Life
in high measure, moreso e'en than in Salamander last month. Ironically,
it is also a time of war, presaging next month's often merciless Convergence.
Huge movements are afoot in Gryphon, and it would be well for us humans to look to its fierceness and far-seeing vision to begin to see the outlines of the larger picture. The Gryphon is impatient of details and eager to act, but it has a talent for sensing the meaning of all that happens now — we must do the same, or suffer for it in this dangerous time.
This is a Cycle of Balance (which will last until the year 609), and the month of Gryphon is a prime moment for balances to shift.
News From Around the Duchy
Amaranth: Lizardman attacks have increased in this area recently. The “lowlies” have attacked trappers and hunters, aided by undead.
Ashbury: All over the city, reports have come in of children found missing from their beds in the morning. Parents claim that there have been no signs of breaking and entering, and all doors and windows have been locked.
Bartleby: Scouts report that Dur Namarie regiments have no longer been seen in this area, seemingly leaving it to Morganna and his forces.
Connor: Galen’s Nursery was recently attacked by bizarre constructs who grabbed the children and took them away, never to be seen again.
Fenmarch: Farmers have been complaining of recent attacks of large insects invading and destroying the crops. This coupled with poor harvests due to the drought have left many farmers in dire need of aid and assistance.
Greystone: The annual Pagent of Flowers was cancelled when Binder’s Florist Shop was found to have been behind the rash of murders of rival florists. Binder’s elaborate attempts at covering his tracks by having himself found dying and bleeding in an alleyway were uncovered when it was discovered that he had sent himself flowers in advance of his attack.
Morien: A gypsy’s shanty was recently consumed by a viscous black substance. The area around the cabin was horribly warped and twisted by bizarre magics. No one has yet been able to explain this occurrence.
Port Frederick: A large number of older gypsies were seen congregating in this area, at the behest of a gypsy named Vlad. It is unknown as to what they were discussing.
South Point: A number of hoblings led by Lord Roldo of Home have been causing disparate reactions to their presence in this resort town. On one hand, they are breaking the banks of the casinos since they are excellent gamblers, but on the other hand, they are also spending lavishly to keep up the lifestyle in which they are accustomed thus helping the local economy.
Woodwash: Two travellers from Woodwash were recently found permanently dead with logging spikes through their forehead.
Outside the Duchy: Apparently, over the past several months, a palace of great size and splendor has appeared in a valley in the Plains of Rage just north of Blythedale. Elven warriors and mages have been seen coming and going from this magnificent structure.
Letters
Dear Citizens of Ashbury,
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Squire Inaque Quigley of Blythedale. He was a valiant soul, ready to do what he had to in order to ensure that the good and the just will prevail. Even when cursed with the blight of lycanthropy, he understood the consequences of his actions and actively sought the cure.
Ashbury lost a mighty warrior and valued friend when Inaque Quigley died. On behalf of the Ducal Court, we offer our condolences to the court of Blythedale, as well as the friends and family of Inaque.
With Sympathy,
Sir Polycarus Imago
Paladin of Ashbury
Citizens of Ashbury,
It saddens me to hear that so many have fallen to the enemy in Woodwash. My greatest concern is that this enemy was no way close to the martial prowess of our enemies that we are used to fighting. Is the same going to happen when we face Mithrauko and Requin’s army? Or what about the Undoer?
I have noticed many new faces forming the ranks of our citizens and it is up to the veterans of the community to teach these new heroes battle tactics. I implore you to look on the ground for the fallen. If you can not help them, at least shout out loud for someone who can. There is no excuse for someone bleeding to death to turn into needing a Life spell.
Carry healing elixirs and potions. They are a mere silver piece at the Healer’s Guild. Also, try to fight as a unit. Never split up. Pair up if you have to. And when a fight is over, check for the fallen before you search the enemy!
These are hard times and we need everyone of you alive to continue the fight against all who oppose our way of life.
Long Live Duke Aramis!
Sir Morgasander
Fellow Citizens of Amora Fortannis,
I am delighted to announce on behalf of the wedding couple that the nuptials of His Grace Duke Aramis Llyrr and Her Royal Highness Princess Lilyth Avacar, so sadly and long delayed, are once again approaching. First set to take place in the spring, this joyous event was denied the people of Ashbury and all Icenia, due to the heinous interference of our foes.
But since the defeat of the Glantri “Emperor” (Emperor, indeed! As if anyone above the rank of Guard would dare to interrupt the happiness attending an engagement of this magnitude!) — since that defeat, I say, nothing surely shall impede or mar the bliss that is to come.
The date is now set for the 24th, 25th and 26th of the Gryphon — the fires of early fall will presage the lasting glow of joy that shall spread its wings over the bride and groom, and warm them through many a winter.
Citizens! You are all invited, high and low, to take part in the Wedding Feast that Saturday night, to fete the couple, enjoy their matchless board, and then chaperone them safely to their wedding night! Help the Peers keep the vigorous groom from his lovely bride until noon the following day, when their solemn nuptials are at last recorded before the community.
Think you also of the proper gift to bring them a’noon of Saturday, one befitting your calling, be it of Earth, Fire, Water or Air. Entertainers and cooks who wish to give their gifts at the feast should contact this office at their earliest convenience.
For advice on dress, gifts, and all manner of comportment at this most wondrous time, you may rely upon the advice of the Brothers Blessed. I, as family Protocos, and my brother Tal will be there to help you with this wedding (and we hope with your own as well!). Remember, our weddings are truly Blessed events!
Faithful Regards,
Mikhail Blessed
Protocos
Blessed Bonds Matrimonial Engagements
400 Years of Wedded Bliss, and Counting
To the citizens of Ashbury:
I apologize so greatly for having inconvenienced and emotionally disturbed
the fine people of Ashbury. There will not be a stylish wedding between
the so-called Baron Jonathan and I ever.
So that everyone’s integrity and honor are intact, I feel as though
I must explain the situation.
Jonathan and I have been courting for about four years. He has dined with my parents and we have exchanged letters many times.
Approximately a year ago, when he and Sir Daniel Grimsby saved me from those cannibalistic elves, he asked me to marry him for the second time. There were many witnesse there for this. I had refused him before because of my family’s reputation, and at that time I told him that I had to first right some wrongs.
Unfortunately for me, there were many wrongs to right, for in my absence, he has decided that a mere gypsy is far more important to the duchy.
I so deeply again apologize for the inconvenience. Due to my family’s profession and the way I was raised and educated, I apparently do not understand the impact of verbal promises of the nobles of Ashbury. It seems as though my girlish wishes were but fantasies. I apologize as well that I did not know the difference between love and (in Jonathan’s words) “friendship.”
Apparently although His Grace forgave all past crimes, mine were never truly forgiven.
I will still endeavor to be a good citizen and right as many wrongs as I can in whatever short time I have left, as the price has been heavy. If it has been deemed that I shall never be forgiven for my past foolishness, I shall appropriately understand.
Susan Stormholm
The duchy of Ashbury has lost a great friend. Squire Inaque Quigley’s
bravery has saved us many times. I only wish we were able to save him.
A day won’t go by that I won’t long to hear his voice.
May he always be with us in our thoughts and dreams. I await the time
when we will share poems and hunt once again.
I deeply thank him and the rest of the court of Blythedale for what they have done for me in this truly trying time.
Zameen Dragonhart
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
So Kheritana and Baron Jonathan are engaged? I understand a line is forming to slap some sense into this couple. At the head of the line is Vlad (representing all gypsies), Lady Dara (representing all biata), and Susan Stormholm (representing herself).
This sudden meeting and quick engagement reminds me of a joke I recently heard: What did Baron Jonathan say when he first met Kheritana? “Charmed, I’m sure.”
Apparently the Baron is denying that he ever courted Susan Stormholm. “It is all just a misunderstanding” he stated to anyone who listened. Sir Daniel wouldn’t even commit that far. “The Baron’s personal life is none of my business,” he said.
Although the Baron has been seen visiting Susan and her parents over the years, and although very rich Susan has given the court of Blythedale many gifts over the years, Susan, who was known to have associated with certain criminals, had refused to marry Jonathan. Of course, once he became Baron it was a different story and the social climber suddenly decided they were engaged.
The true story may never be known, but Susan’s anger certainly is there for everyone to see. At Dunkleberger’s in Woodwash recently Susan was heard to say to the Baron “Don’t worry, I never hold grudges.” “That’s because all your enemies are dead or missing!” retorted Sir Eros. Susan was later seen takling to Baron Agnar saying “Do you want a navy? I have these ships I was making for Jonathan for a wedding present. . .” Sources tell me that Squire Xavier is especially upset at this loss.
Jonathan also may have some trouble with the biata councils as well. He met recently with Xapano of Bloodstone and Isabella of Hopewell and they apparently were trying to get him to organize a group for some quest they needed done. Jonathan’s choice to bring biata killer Roj Blakeney may not be the type of companion they were expecting.
Isabella, meanwhile, was her typical acerbic self, commenting about Duke Aramis: “I once had a dog named Duke. He was still a dog.”
Baron Jonathan has also apparently angered his own ward Zameen. It seems that when Inaque was dying on the field, Zameen went running to get help but the Baron and his new gypsy toy were too busy to assist. Later, when Inaque was attempting to resurrect, the Baron was nowhere to be seen, so little Zameen had to pull him out of bed and drag him to the Dunkleberger’s Circle of Power.
And speaking of the Dunkleberger Family, Dieter, Hammer, Ilsa, and Helmut are known for their advertising during resurrections. Those resurrected by the wayward hoblings were seen purchasing beef stew and bells from the store later that weekend.
Sir Polycarus recently held a very informal meeting of squires where noble bearing was discussed. It seems a good number of squires seem to think that a noble going to a brothel is no problem! And they wonder why so few of them are getting promoted.
Someone told me the squires are going to revolt. Well, they at least don’t like the way things are being run and are chomping at the bit to get a chance to show Ashbury how it’s done. These are the same squires, mind you, who find nothing wrong with frequenting Madam Boboinka’s House of Pleasure.
The swashbuckling convicted murderer William Trafalgar has caused quite a storm upon being named a squire. Some think he is just one of the many career criminals on the Ash Forest court, others believe he might have actually reformed! In general, this has not improved the much hurt image of the Ash Forest court. Sir Eros and Sir Morgasander refuse to even speak to William, and tried to convince His Grace to remove his squire title, but His Grace found a “compromise”: William can remain a squire but will never become a knight. Doesn’t that sort of defeat the purpose of being a squire in the first place?
Bets are being taken about who will be the next squire named a Lord or Lady. Long-suffering veterans Azura and Xavier are frequently named, and many often wonder if the Ash Forest’s reputation will keep Talin a permanent squire. By sheer numbers it will probably be a Blythedale squire, since they have more than the rest of the baronies combined.
Meanwhile, people are talking about why Natasha was named a squire? A gypsy running a guild and becoming nobility? Who knew? (On the other hand, she shows more noble bearing than many other squires I could name.)
Speaking of gypsies, Vlad is once again trying to unite the un-unitable. Gypsies are not known for following orders, which means if you get a group of them together, you are certain to fail in your quest. Just as Maximillian and Glorianna who , with their group, failed miserably to achieve their goal to obtain some information from some hermit. How Vlad ever hopes to unite all the gyspies together is beyond me.
Rumor has it Baron Olin is considering retiring from active life and becoming a turnip farmer, since he is tired of the duties and boring requirements of being a noble.
And oh my, the new Town Guard put together by Sir Morgasander has been active! They have been tracking down criminals all over the place. The children of Woodwash love them and have been hoping they come back since they left to go to Ashbury. The most prominent members of the town guard are named Dhalic, Alex, Greywolf, and JJ.
It’s a good thing Teril Belayson didn’t get added to the Amani Council. Wouldn’t that be a fine how-do-you-do? Imagine how much Baron Agnar’s stress level would go up then! Suddenly, being married to Azrael wouldn’t seem so bad.
A war orphan named Relic wandered into town recently and was quickly taken under the wing of Squire Rasq. Rasq was later over heard saying “Baron Jonathan cannot adopt all of the new sarr that come into town.”
Well, that’s all for this month. Keep those cards and letters coming,
and until next time, remember — If you can’t say something nice about someone,
come sit by me.
REWARD FOR INFORMATION. Help put criminals where they belong. All sources kept confidential. See Sir Eros. I swear to never reveal my source. Reward relative to worth of information.
INAQUE QUIGLEY: Fighter, Poet, Prankster. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. Take care my friend, until our paths cross again. – Squire Aldric
KHERITANA: I have a love potion #9 with your name on it – A secret admirer
WANTED: The head of the swine who swapped our ale with water. Will pay in gold and schnitzel. See Hammer Dunkleberger, Dunkleberger’s Wilderness Outfitters, Woodwash, Ducal Fiefs.
TO FINDARTH: I have your order ready in full. I am awaiting your answer on our deal. Please let me know as soon as possible. – Luigie
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! Join the society of freethinking, civilized beings who will work to effect a better culture. Send your names, requests for membership cards, contributions and letters to: Teril Belayson, Belayson’s Honey Farm, Elindil, Ash Forest.
NOW ACCEPTING trained archers for the Grimsby Strongbows, the elite archers of Blythedale. The Command Squad is actively seeking a Ducal Adventuring Charter. Seek out Captain Malfalin Brightflame in Stony Brook, Blythedale. He will be in Ashbury recruiting on September 4th, 599.
THE D. GADLEN CHIMERAN Handy-Dandy Quick Reference Guide to the Stars is now available! Based on well founded research and discussions had with the renowned Professor Flairtongue, Solemn Judgement and D. Gadlen J. Chimeran bring to you, in a concise format, a pocket guide to the constellations, planets and Astrological Influences of Amora Fortannis!
TO D.G.: I thought we were friends and business men alike. Why do you have a problem with me and my associates? I’m sure we could work something out if we were to talk and resolve the problem. You have offended me by what you have done. If you have issues with me, then leave it to me alone. Don’t bring my friends in it to. We need to talk like gentlemen, not with assassins. – Luigie
TO THOSE WHO KNEW INAQUE: I am deeply sorry in hearing of his death. Although I did not know him that well, he always seemed to be willing to help anyone and was an excellent fighter. He will surely be missed – Dominic
TO ANY KIERGANI ELVES: I am doing research on your people for the Healer’s Guild. Any information you can give me would be most appreciated. – Squire Aldric Harrington, Bloodnamed Kinsman of the Clan Harrington
THANK YOU FRAULEIN Dunkleburger for performing my first resurrection. The bells were very pretty. I should be stopping by to see if you can supply a belt with those same bells as my anklet. – The Gypsy Fraulein
ALDRIC my rai, please do not be so upset. I am all right and I plan on being a little more tactical in the future when you put me in charge. We lost communication and it all went downhill from there. I will make sure you are still my bodyguard. I do not hold it against you. Thanks for teaching me that new spell. – Kheri
TO LADY DARA: Once again I am in your debt. Thank you for the life spell. Please keep my offer we discussed in mind. – Luigie
I AM SORRY to hear about the death of Inaque. I only wish I would have been there to stand beside him. He will be sorely missed. – R
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: One town cryer, booming voice a must. Crew of 2 - 4 runners to pull bodies from Zayazan’s Melee. Two assistants for all events. Stipend paid. See Zayazan for interview
LOOKING FOR MITHRIL. See Gilwing the dwarf
TO THOSE OF THE COURT OF the Barony of Blythdale, formally the glorious and gone Barony of Moonvale: Mother and I find it very amusing that wards across the land seem to fail during the long, secretive hours of night. Can you imagine what ambitions are now better served with cloak of night and nothing but a frail, ordinary lock in the way of success? Can you feel the shadows of your sanctuaries thicken and stretch toward your unguarded, reposeful selves? Sleep on it. With utter sincerity, Lord Sigismondo Crestivus, Barony of Moonvale
COMPONENTS WANTED by the Mages’ Guild.
WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE! That said come and join the D.O.A., the Doomsayers Of Ashbury, while there's still time! No experience necessary, just a willingness to shout about our impending doom! Once you’re D.O.A. you don’t have to worry about the future! And join us to meet the End Of It All on New Year’s Eve! We are going to party like it is 599...’cause it is!!!
TO WHOEVER OR WHATEVER stole my gold: Give it back! – GypsyMan
ZAMEEN: Please forgive my optimistic nature. When you came barging in that evening, we had been asleep and not thinking right. Too many things have been happening. Please forgive your Baron Daddy as well. – Kheri
HAIL AND WELL MET to all fine Ashbans! I will be in thine fine city upon the first of the next month; if any would be interested in fine weapons, armor, or other supplies, I guarantee thee the highest quality available, direct from the fine craftsmen in Home! I stand behind my words as a nobleperson. Thou shalt never be cheated when doing business with Lord Roldo!
THANKS AGAIN to the lovely Lady Dara for helping me; what would I do without you? – Gilwing
LOOKING FOR the tail end of a comet. It’s a primary for Celestail Regeneration ritual. I have the Earth Regen Primary to trade for it, or other things such as gold or other components. Please see me as soon as possible. – Luigie
TO MY GYPSY BROTHERS AND SISTERS: I am sorry I was not feeling well after my resurrection to accompany you on your journeys. But I hope the new clan will become very strong. We have enough spirit to do it. – Tsarbane’s representative, Kheritana
DEATH TO THE KIERGANI who thinks he can rule the Wold! He’s off the Council so there is only one more step to go!
PREPARE FOR JUSTICE
INAQUE: Thanks for all you have taught me. I will always be in your debt. I will miss you much and always tresure the knowledge you have imparted to us. – SK
THE SAGES’ GUILD will be taking applications for membership, please see a Guild member to set up an appointment. – Shya Corak
TO MYRANIUS: I have done you a grave wrong. I heard the true story about what happened, and I am sorry for making such a threat against you. I was lied to and led to believe something else, and what you did was perfectly right. I would have done the same. I am sorry for having insulted you and will accept any punishment you see fit. Please contact me if you wish to discuss it.