Neither the foul weather nor reports of an unusually large volume of creature attacks deterred the citizens of Ravenholt from attending the Royal Faire in Gurn, Westmarch on August 15th and 16th. Hundreds of Ravenholt locals, including many nobles and nearly the entire baronial courts of Cumberland and Westmarch attended the faire. Also in attendance were local merchants Fantasia, Artisan's Alcove, The Dancing Cow Cheesery and Provisions Shoppe, and the In-the-Oven, Out-the-Door Bakery.

Lady Enora Goldmathen betrothed to Prince Joseph, asked her own personal guard to patrol the faire grounds and keep the peace. Unfortunately, the widespread corruption in the guard became readily apparent when Ravenholt citizens were subjected to insult and frequent persecution by them.

Merchants at the faire report steep and unfair taxation of their profits by Captain Graf Beck of Enora's Guard. Silverwood Moonrider, founder of the Garson's Bridge Chamber of Commerce was present at the faire with his Dancing Cow Cheese Shoppe with neighbor the In-the-Oven Out-the-Door Bakery. the combined efforts of the merchants were tolled for a combined total of two gold for their toil, but one source tells that Graf delivered only three silver to Lady Enora.

It was not until late Sunday afternoon when merchants, nobles and other faire-goers began to suspect that the taxes for the faire might be far worse than just gold. Lady Enora ordered that the noble court of Westmarch must leave the faire and the Gurn estate. According to Graf, the court had "Caused too much trouble already." though he would not elaborate.

The Guard waited to escort Blakeny and her court away, but the Baron delayed, hoping to begin the journey at a time when the Guard was more unaware. Indeed the Court of Westmarch departed with little notice as Baron Blakeny had planned but it was not long before Enora's Guard noticed and took pursuit.

Aislinn of Eastwyck and Vallen Brynlydon witnessed the Guard's departure and became suspicious. As a cautionary measure, they alerted Squire Alexa of Arkham County to their mission, then Aislinn and Vallen followed the Guard to ensure Westmarch's safety. Not far from the faire grounds, Lady Enora's Guard initiated an unprovoked attack against the Westmarch court. Baron Blakeny had anticipated such treachery and had taken caution to warn her court, and to march accordingly. The battle was fierce, and Squire Loranna of Westmarch was slain.

Soon Squire Alexa led members of the Arkham Court and Fantasia to the battle. Aislinn was able to deliver a life spell to Loranna, and Alexa, Gaerath, Jasmyn, Korwin, and Padraig helped Westmarch subdue Enora's Guard.

This was a totally unprovoked and unwarranted assault." stated Sir Pelgar of Westmarch.

"The Captain took a great many liberties during the faire," stated Baron Blakeny, "He made every effort to insult my court. Had we not been in Evendarr lands, I would have had his head."

Captain Graf was shackled and brought to Ravenholt, where he was brought before the Prince. Attacking a noble is considered Treason, and is an Obliterable offense. However, the Raven's Herald learned that Captain Graf was not Obliterated, but was instead unceremoniously dumped at the gates of Ravenholt clad only in a beggars robe and told to, " Go home, little boy."

No other members of the Westmarch Court were seriously injured, though the rest of Enora's Guard was slain. One man, Amice, who had himself delivered a Life spell to Squire Dire of Cumberland the previousday, was given a Life spell in time and returned to Lady Enora.

"Although all are welcome to this most festive gathering, those disposed to barbaric and /or illegal actions will be swiftly and harshly dealt a lesson..."

So said the proclamation issued by Lady Enora Goldmathen of Evendarr concerning the Royal Faire held in Gurn Westmarch on August 15th and 16th. During the run of the Faire, several arrests were made, three executions were ordered, (though only one performed.) and one obliteration was promised if the perpetrator had been apprehended.

Shortly after the opening of the faire on Saturday, Captain Graf Beck, Leader of Lady Enora's Guard brought a vandalized poster advertising the faire to Lord Magistrate Dorlken. Someone had crossed out the title ."King" before Joseph's name. and written, " Prince " in its place. By Sunday afternoon all the posters had been so marked, some with colorful adjectives in accompaniment. The punishment would have been obliteration for treason, but no suspects were charged with the crime.

An attempt was made on the life of Jasmyn, proprietor of Fantasia when and angry member of the Legion of R.I.C.H. controlled her with a dominate poison. Squire Agnar of Westmarch ran to her aid, and threw a Purify Blood spell at captive Jasmyn to free her will. Apparently Prince Joseph had earlier decreed that no offensive spells might be cast upon his lands, and one of Lady Enora's Guards took Purify blood to be offensive enough . The guard began to administer the final killing blow to the unconscious Agnar, when the squire's Liege Baron Aurora Blakeny of Westmarch courageously threw her own body over her squire's preventing his death. The Baron held her sword toward the guard and promised, "If you kill him, you'll have to kill me first." Before the guard could make that treasonous choice, Baron Blakeny's court arrived on the scene offering support and protection for their Baron.

Elsewhere at the faire, Fletcher, Squire to Warlord Sagramore, was walking alone in the woods when hunger-starved sarr surprised him with a brutal attack. The squire fought for his life and managed to slay one "Rysterie Silverwind," before he was forced to retreat in defense.

Apparently angry for losing their prey, the furred horde brought their fallen friend's corpse to the captain of Lady Enora's Guard, who ordered Fletcher's execution. Said the Captain, " I am sure that those Capulan scum bags will be dealt with by their baron. I just killed one and made the score even."

Members of the noble court of Capulus attendant at the faire including Lady Elcybeth Silvestri, waited for their friend's resurrection. The herald had received no word on the fate of Rysterie, although Lady Tristemere Darkthunder, sarr and former Guildmistress of the Ravenholt Alchemist's Guild was heard to comment on the "survival of the fittest."

Witnesses at Fletcher's trial and execution have reported rumors that the sarr in question were suspected of practicing necromancy and were possibly in league with Guxx Unfadoo.

Wizard Diodotus Brynlydon, beloved Lord of Garson's Bridge and Kiran's Citadel, Westmarch was charged with treason for an unprovoked attack against members of the noble court of Cumberland. Sources in the Brynlydon household report that Diodotus had been fed Dominate Poison before the attack. Baron Blakeny spoke with Lady Enora, and convinced Joseph's representative to rescind the execution order on the basis of rumor and testimony that the Westmarch Lord had been suffering from the effects of "Ritual Madness" a sickness caused by too much activity in the formal magicks. Lord Diodotus was ordered away form the estate of Gurn.

Not-Sergeant-Grey formerly of the Royal Army, now squire to Lord Diodotus at Kiran's Citadel was found to be in possession of Necromantic potions. The squire insisted that he had found the items only moments before and was in fact en route to see to their destruction. Standing in defense of N.S. Grey's good character were Cynesra Darkthunder, Baron Blakeny, Commoner Ashe, and members of the Necromancers Reform Association.( NRA)

Some observers speculate that the arrests and attacks may have been "tests" to see how the citizens of Ravenholt will react to actions of Joseph's supporters. Neither His Highness Prince Basil nor any representative would comment.

The dangerous and foreboding halls of a citadel in the forest outside of the Royal Faire attracted many curious and brave adventurers including Baron Andre deSudbyr and members of his court. Those who ventured inside the tower report that it seemed to be itself a living entity, though spells had little effect against it.

The citadel appeared capable of its own magicks, but local scholars and members of the Wizard's Guild could not explain its existence or offer much assistance to Baron André who continues to search for Squire Dire of his court after the Stone Elf became trapped inside the weird tower. Dire has been missing since the Faire. Sir Daerath Darkthunder, Lord of Valdis Keep Cumberland fell to his death in an attempt to cross a treacherous portion of the citadel, "Floor".

A large scythe, dripping with oil of slipperiness swung from the ceiling high above the heads of the adventurers and dared all who would enter this strange place to leap across the blade to the relative safety of four pillars reaching forth from a seemingly bottomless pit. Sir Daerath fell from the top of one of the pillars and into the darkness.

Without hesitation Squire Dire volunteered to climb down into the pit and attempt to activate an amulet of Daerath's which would deliver a life spell to the Cumberland knight. Unfortunately, an odd change occurred in the citadel not long after Dire began his climb. The walls shook, and the tower itself began to radiate an eerie purple light, witnesses report. Baron André remained near the edge of the pit long after it was safe for him to remain in the shifting tower.

Finally he and other members of his court had to flee the tower and hope the best for the squire. The citadel disappeared with Sir Daerath, and Squire Dire still in it. They are presumed to have died in the fall, but thus far neither the Healer's Guild in Ravenholt nor on Valdis Keep has reported their resurrection.

Anyone who sees these men or the citadel itself is asked to report the sighting to their liege.

Thale Travis, local representative of the Royal Cartographer's Guild recently met with the Barons of Ravenholt to discuss updating the maps of the Duchy. Few major changes were made in the baronies of Capulus and Eastwyck, with the exception of Acting Baron Sir Arracor's change of the town of Pook's Haven to "Farmington". Baron Aurora Blakeny of Westmarch and Baron André deSudbyr of Cumberland did report new names for some major settlements.

Along the Westmarch coast Baron Blakeny was considering naming the city of Greywatch, ancestral home of the deSudbyr family , to "Aurora" in her own honor. Baron André could not be reached for comment on the new name for his childhood home, but he himself has petitioned that the capital city of Cumberland, currently named Aradia (In honor of Countess Shardon's Mother.) be changed to "Sudbyr". He has also announced that he would rename the village of Tara to "Vandal" in honor of his former liege Baron Vandal Northridge. He also announced that the farming town of Mikon along the road to Haven would be appropriately changed to "Harvest" and the village of Orc Ear in northwestern Cumberland would be renamed "Alaric's Eye" in honor of the recently deceased Baron Alaric Malinruin.

Also in honor of Baron Alaric, Prince Ravenhurst acted upon a request made by Alaric's love, Vallen Brynlydon that the Baron's hometown of Manderock Westmarch be renamed "Malinruin" .

All of the other proposed name changes must be approved by the Prince.

"Highly unlikely." sniffed Lord Seneschal Alan Montfern. "We can't go around changing the names of cities every time a new Baron feels the whim. Imagine the cost involved... maps to change, city charters to rewrite, new stamps to be made. We have better things to do with the peasants' hard earned tax money.

Dear Lovelorn,

I really like this certain orc of the female persuasion, but soon after conceiving my child, she was murdered by the citizens of Ravenholt, and the her body was burnt. I know her spirit was strong, but I can't find her and I've checked at every Healer's Guild in the area, and she is nowhere to be found. How can I tell her that I am still available for this year's rutting season?

Chasing Dust in the Wind

Dear Dusty Wind,

Don't feel too bad. There are many silly people who go off and kill people's mates. But that is beside the point. Anyways, the Healer's Guild don't resurrect Orcs cuz they're prejudiced, and probably don't understand how important she is to you. You should go and check her home, and ask her relatives where she would resurrect cuz they'd know. Hmmm. It’s all so unfuzzy. You should go and talk to the Duke about his No Green Things Law..

Dear Lovelorn,

I'm a Baron, and I know a Baron who is looking for a certain ladylove. It seems that all of these ladies are looking for loving men and caring people..

Doesn't anybody marry for power, riches, prestige, and the title of Baroness to Ravenholt's richest and finest men? I don't want to have to care about her feelings!!

Heartless

Dear Heartless,

Well I guess you should just ask around for women who'll marry for your reasons. Maybe place a want ad cuz its not really like a relationship. Kind of more like a business deal, but different. Unfortunately I don't see a lot of happy, spiffy, fuzzy, pretty ladies who are really into power and stuff without the whole love thing. I don't know, maybe you should ask Tashe? ARGH!

Dear Advice,

I'm having marital problems and I need your help. My wife and I have been married for several years but the spark has left our marriage. It seems that she has been seen with a Dark Elf, going off into shadowy corners together. It turns out that this Dark Elf is a friend of mine. They tell me that they are just friends, and that nothing is going on, but I'm not sure. What should I do?

Looking in the Shadows

Dear Shadowy Looker,

There seem to be two problems that you have. First you want your marriage to be happy and spiffy. Second seem to be distrusting your mate. That's bad. Why did you mate with her if you are going to distrust her? Well, if you wanna go out and find out for yourself, be prepared. You have to be sneaky and tricky. I won't tell you how, but I will say that you should probably bring an uncast light spell.

Next month's column will be answered by Warlord Cynric Sagramore, himself a happily married man who certainly must have excellent advice for the Lovelorn. Send in your questions now, care of the Raven's Herald.

It has been noticed that recently users of healing and necromancy have reportedly summoned small earth magic elementals to the site of a spell casting. More recent reports place more powerful Fire, Earth, Water, and Air Elementals in the area. Sources in the Ravenholt Alchemy Guild have revealed that these elementals may not be side effects of earth magic castings, but indeed the product of alchemical experiments to turn lead into gold.

The Guild reports that its members have no knowledge of such processes. Anyone with information about this type of alchemical work is encouraged to contact the Guild.

Those in attendance at the Royal Faire in Gurn even report that a so called "pancake elemental" was seen traveling along with Arthur C. Flapjack, self proclaimed King of Breakfast on Tyrra. This shambling collection of living batter seemed mostly harmless and no serious injuries were reported after the sightings.

Travelers are advised that these elementals can be very dangerous and are best avoided or handled with caution.

Local fighter Ren Darkstorm died on Sunday August 18th, while traveling home from the Royal Faire in Gurn. He had been ill in the afternoon after eating a bad flapjack, and when he and his group of adventurers, the Bladedrippers headed out of town, they were attacked by fire elementals. He is survived by his mother and father who are ship builders in Sercia Capulus.

Of Padington-on-the- Shire Cumberland suffered her final death on August 21 when she fell into a well at a local farm. Foul Play is suspected. Tashania was unmarried, and is survived by her two sisters. The Fatalanos Family is known in the Padington area for their skill with Alchemy.

Fourth-cousin to Baron Lan Metter of Stormhold Therendry, and son of Burnisham Falls Eastwyck Innkeeper Jason Metter, died last week from a fever. The boy's condition was undiscovered until very late and the family could not reach the Healer's Guild in time. Eric had suffered earlier deaths from drowning accidents and illness.

Orc adventurer Meraq Bonemasher died of old age on Tuesday August 25th. He was 7. He was the leader of the Bonemasher clan of Kragen Moor. He is survived by his three children, K'Ruq, J'Kahk, and Nathaniel.

The opinions expressed in this column are the personal view of the editor, and not those of the staff or proprietor of the Raven's Herald. Comments in response to this editorial are welcomed.

In my homeland of Forestyr's Island, women are legally barred from holding positions of power. When I first heard stories of Ravenholt, and more specifically of Baron Blakeny, and the reasons that she chooses the masculine title over the traditional "Baroness" I gained an instant respect for her ladyship the Baron. It wasn't until I had been in Ravenholt for some weeks that it even occurred to me that all might not share my opinion of her title and its benefit to women of this age.

Shortly after I assumed the duties of Editor of the Herald, I heard from one of Seductra's informants that Count Andros intends to order Baron Blakeny to assume the title of Baroness. Although Count Andros has been in Evendarr this summer, and therefore could not be reached to confirm the rumor or make comment on the issue, sources say that he believes that Blakeny's title is a great offense to the Women of Ravenholt.

Women of Ravenholt? Wait a moment Your Excellency. I am a legal citizen of this duchy, and * I'm* not offended. In fact, I think her title is pretty spiffy as Not-Sergeant Grey would say. Nevertheless, He is the Count and must know better than little ole me, so I began to wonder if maybe his argument is justified.

For his benefit, and for my own, I took a little survey of the Women of Ravenholt, while at the Royal Faire in Gurn. I asked twenty seven women, whether Blakeny's use of the title Baron, over Baroness was supportive or detrimental to the Women's Movement of the 590's. 10 of 27 answered that indeed it is a supportive gesture. 9 of 27 thought it to be detrimental. The remaining 8 of the 27 thought that the title didn't effect women much, or they themselves felt unaffected by court politics and didn't care.

So much for the great offense to the Ravenholt Women that the Count has cited.

Particularly interesting were the comments made by the Morvranians and Sarr, who are both from societies dominated by women. Cerridwen of Morvrania commented, " As long as there is a woman in power, what does it matter what you call her? "

Sianan, who is Sarr, remarked that regardless of title, Baron Blakeny makes no attempt to disguise that she is a woman. Both Cerridwen and Sianan voted in favor of the Baron's current title as did one woman serving in the court of Capulus who requested that her name be omitted so that the members of her court would remain unaware of her support for Blakeny. Her view is that "Baron Blakenys obviously trying to make a positive statement."

On the other side, Jasmyn, proprietor of Fantasia, and noted Low Town political activist remarked ,"It is as if [Blakeny} refuses to acknowledge that she is female. " She voted a resounding "NO" for the title of Baron as did Squire Alexa of the Arkham Court and one woman of the noble court of Eastwyck who wished to remain anonymous, but whose initial reaction to the question was to fall down laughing,

Among those who believe that Blakeny's title affects women little in the 590's was Merrywhether, of the household of Lord Diodotus Brynlydon of Westmarch. "A woman's place is in the kitchen. I don't see how a Baron's title has anything to do with the kitchen."

Well, there's the offense.

Opinions on this issue are split into nearly even thirds. If His Excellency wishes to order Baron Blakeny to change her title on the strength of the offended women of Ravenholt, that may well be the offense taken when the Count makes her change the title, or when local nobility spends valuable time debating matters of etiquette instead of defending its citizens against persecution and attack, as from Enora's Guard at the Royal Faire.

As to that, I did notice one thing. however: When Gyle of the Legion of R.I.C.H. poisoned Jasmyn, it was Baron Blakeny who rushed to the woman's aid. Equally when the Faire Guard attacked Blakeny and her court, it was Squire Alexa, Aislinn and myself who initiated the counterattack. Apparently the Women of Ravenholt have something better to do than be offended all day. I wonder if that is just as true about the men?

Perhaps His Excellency will have some answer when he returns.

Well, as you may have noticed, Ladymiss Seductra Blondestarr could not make it to the Royal Faire, but I, Lily of the Valley, her faithful partner of the grapevine, was there to provide al the latest information about what happened there!

Alas the weather for the faire left much to be desired. Lord Montfern has been quoted as saying that necromancy causes bad weather. . . Makes you think, doesn't it? The Lord Seneschal was kind enough to loan Vallen his cloak to protect her from the chilling rain. or did this gesture mean something more?

Space Lizards Have Alaric's Brain! Then again he was recently spotted in one of the Dancing Cow Cheeserys, checking the Raven's Herald for any recent Pious Sightings.

For all of you Still Waiting for your Jared of Westmarch coloring books, I have tracked down the reason they haven't been available. It seems our dear Jared has been stripped of his Squirehood, and tossed out of Westmarch, minus all his possessions. This reporter asked Sir Thomas Pelgar, who did the stripping, (Pity he didn't strip the bright blue tights too..) why this was done. Sir Pelgar would only comment that no one in Westmarch is allowed to own anything. It all belongs to the Barony. Left with only his sword, shield, and the clothes on his back, Jared said that anyone still desiring their book should contact the Court of Westmarch.

For you Fantasia watchers out there, Jasmyn and Gyle of Legion of R.I.C.H. were seen spending a lot of time together. Gyle's presence dominated Jasmyn's attention so much that she failed to notice the jester hiding beneath her dress until a certain Catnipped Sarr chased him out. Korwin has been seen sporting colorful feathers as "Tokens"... and Wulf was heard to ask how he could fit the body of an Iron Golem in his pocket!

Wedding bells for Mist? It seems that he and Serel are to be married next month! But didn't he propose to Durchasi? And isn't she married to Gust? Wasn't He married to Tristemere at the same time? When asked about this confusion, Bane mumbled something about Durchasi and her niece. Or was that Durchasi on her knees ? On bended knee in proposal?

Madam Zara's always chasing the stars. . . And now she has found a new partner ~ Holdrun Moonchaser of the Legion of R.I.C.H.

That's all this time; be sure to send all your juicy gossip to the Raven's Herald. We keep sources secret.