The cry for help from Nicholae VonSkoya was answered by many of the citizens of the city of Ravenholt his last Midwinter's Eve. Nicholae, the head of the Healer's Guild in the small town of Rundin, on Lake Ardynn southwest of Ravenholt, put out a call for help in response to slaver raids up and down the coast in the vicinity.

The slavers were there, led by a pirate captain known as Gunther the Red. These slavers had been taking citizens with increasing brazenness.

The slavers, it turned out were working in league with a greater vampire from Niman named Malava Von Perish, and a lesser vampire named Straken. Ultimately it seems that Malava and Nicholae turned out to be one and the same.

The best information that we have been able to gather indicates that 200 years ago, the elders of the VonSkoya family, residents of the town of Skoya in Niman and producers of the famous Skoya Reisling wine, caught and attempted to destroy an ancient greater vampire by the name of Malava Von Perish. During the ritual, something went terribly wrong. The body of the vampire was destroyed, but the spirit lived on.

For many generations, members of the VonSkoya family have been cursed by some sort of possession by the malevolent Von Perish. The elder member of the family seems not to age at night, and gains great powers. During the day, the individual is a normal human.

Research indicates that the Von Skoya family has been historically atypical of the Nimani in that they are intolerant of necromancy, and hate vampires. In fact research indicates something about them destroying Malava Von Perish about two hundred years ago. There was some sort of flaw or backlash, and several family members that were present in the circle were destroyed, all except for the family elder, a man named Friedrich, who seemed to be unharmed. There was no indication that the vampire was anything other than destroyed.

Further research finds that he was not in fact destroyed, however. It shows that Malava took possession of Friedrich, and had had some sort of possession of the Eldest of the Von Skoya Clan ever since. The latest example of this trend is Nicholae. Nicholae's father died a year ago, apparently during an attempt by friends of Calipos Von Skoya (Friedrich's father) to destroy the creature while he was vulnerable on New Years Eve. Malava spent the last year retrieving resources from Niman, and establishing his nest here.

Those who answered the plea arrived to a siege, as the townspeople did the best they could to defend themselves against slaver attacks. Everyone who entered had to be vouched for by someone the townsfolk trusted. Sir Gengi of the Ducal Household held a writ that gave him power in the area, and he vouched for many of those others present. Several names such as Mother Merry, Connor Darkwolf, and Dame Alyx Attleborough, were generally recognized by the townsfolk, and accepted.

Sir Gengi as the ranking noble assumed responsibility for the situation and declared martial law. The seriousness of the situation became evident shortly after, as Drax and Viscountess Gilcori ventured into the darkness out the back door, and were nearly killed before help could arrive. Several members of the group were captured and at last count some are still missing.

The assistant Healer's Guild Master in Rundin, a man named Oscar, attempted to kill his nephew, and it turned out that he was under the effects of a vampire charm.

This led to wide speculation about the identity of the vampire, as well as his whereabouts. More undead were seen in the area, confirming the suspicion of the presence of a vampire.

The slaves were the first issue to deal with, however, and the adventurers found a way into the cave that the slavers were using as a headquarters. It was a narrow tunnel that was flooded at all times, save at extreme low tide. As they went through this tunnel, a door was discovered with a ward on it, but there was not enough time to investigate, as the waters were returning. At the end of the tunnel the adventurers engaged the slavers in a fierce battle. The slavers were defeated, but their captain got away to a boat that sat in the small inlet.

The slavers lair was a maze of traps. The adventurers managed to recover many of the captains papers, and discovered the identity and whereabouts of the vampire known as Straken. They also managed to open his lair, but only a few could get in at a time, due to an ingenious device on the door. They finally managed to block the door open with a Wall of Force.

Inside Straken and his minions waited across an icy pool. The adventurers, led by Viscountess Gilcori, Cynesra, Viscount Daramor, Kestryn, Koryon, and Gabriel managed to defeat the horde although the vampire went gaseous and escaped.

Inside the lair of Straken, the existence of Malava was first discovered, and the means to enter his lair. They would have to wait until the tide went back down, at midnight, and enter the door in the tunnel. The ward key was among the papers.

All afternoon,, skeletons arose out of bone dust scattered around the Inn attacking the adventurers. many brave men and women began to have doubts about what they were attempting: the bearding of an ancient vampire in his lair, where he would be at his strongest.

Malava also had strange creatures to do his bidding that were called by many, "Night Gaunts". These creatures had abilities never seen before, and each seemed to be slightly different.

As midnight approached, the adventurers gathered and began to enter the caves, knowing that if they went too slowly the waters would take them, and knowing that Malava knew that they were coming. As they approached the door in the tunnel, they could hear the water roaring and gurgling as they tried to open the door. Undead creatures began to rise from the floor around them, trying to bar their way, and slow them down enough for the tide to return.

The Adventurers led by the group known as Stormwatch, fended them off and got the door open. They went up a steep incline, and then down a long passage, knowing that their retreat was being cut off by the water rising outside the door. A trap was discovered by the door, and stairs down were found. The group began to descend into the darkness, as eerie sounds began to echo through the halls and the darkness seemed to swallow up the meager lights that they carried.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, they entered a crypt of huge proportions. as they investigated, looking for more traps, Undead of great power began to pour forth, sometimes through the very walls. A huge battle erupted.

As the battle ended, a stillness settled over the crypt, and the party was able to see that there was a large coffin at the end of the room, flanked by candelabra. There were three skeletons in circles of power that stopped the adventurers from reaching the coffin, and there were dimly seen frightful figures hald hidden in the haze. A mummy, and Several death knights and ghouls lurked behind, and three night gaunts stood out of the mists, and spread their wings which filled the crypt from one side to the other. As they sunk back into the mist, the lid of the coffin was seen rising into the air, and a green-glowing malodorous smoke emanated from within.

Nicholae, now Malava rose from the coffin and began to talk to the assembled party, addressing many by name; Cynesra, Connor, Gilcori, Daphne. He taunted and threatened them.

The circles dropped apparently only temporary circles, and the attack began. The fight was fierce, but the undead held off the group until the time Malava could leave his crypt arrived. He announced his departure, which precipitated a fight of renewed vigor, and calmly departed through an escape tunnel accompanied by his night gaunts, and several other of his minions.

Malava is expected to return, and Stormwatch has vowed to destroy him.

Be it known that the Raven's Herald is under new ownership, and that I, Dame Anastasia knight of Dragonshire county, have been appointed as noble consultant to the Raven's Herald.

The Raven's Herald staff has been instructed to consult with me on all articles which may violate the law of contempt; Willful disrespect of a noble. Any article which is in violation of this law shall be forbidden to be published. Any citizen may also consult with me for advice on writing an article so that it adheres to the laws of the land.

The purpose of this article is to serve as a reminder to all citizens and travelers in Ravenholt of our laws. It is your responsibility as citizens and visitors to be cognizant of our laws. Failure on your part to learn the laws is not a valid defense in trial.

Matters of commoner law may be handled by a magistrate or noble of the land. Within the Duchy of Ravenholt, all matters of Commoner law are handled by the Lord Magistrate. At this moment, the position is unfilled, however justice at this time may be administered by any Ducal Noble, Viscount Gaerath, and Countess Altair. While all laws have suggested punishments, it is the privilege of the magistrate or noble sitting in judgment to punish each criminal as harshly or as leniently as he or she sees fit, depending on the circumstances surrounding that crime.

There are proper channels available to challenge the decision made in criminal trial. That proper channel is not the Raven's Herald. If any citizen of Ravenholt is in need of information regarding the appeal of such decisions you may ask me when I am in town, visit me at Gadren Castle, write to me, or ask any other noble of these lands.

The following is a definition of Obliteration:

Obliteration shall mean that the offender shall suffer the equivalent of three deaths. This does not mean an obliterate ritual. It means that the criminal shall suffer a successful obliterate ritual or three deaths at the discretion of the magistrate (or noble). Failure of an obliterate ritual shall never be considered to be caused by the innocence of the condemned. Failure of a ritual is caused by failure of the magicks themselves, or by an error in the casting.

Low Crimes are punishable by fines, incarceration, or by confiscation of possessions. Multiple or repeat offenses may be punishable by death.

ARSON: destruction of another's property by fire.

ASSAULT: placing someone in fear of harm, seriously threatening another person, or causing harm to a person or their property.

BRIBERY: obtaining favors, money, or other property by force, intimidation, or by illegal means.

CONSPIRACY: planning to commit a crime, aiding a criminal or obstructing the investigation of a crime is conspiracy. In matters involving nobility this will become treason. In matters involving undead, this will become necromancy.

CONTEMPT: the willful disrespect of a noble or public official, or the willful disobedience of an order given by them. Please know that His Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox has passed a law requiring that all nobles be addressed by their proper titles.

FORGERY: producing or planting of false documents or money for the purpose of deceit.

THEFT: stealing or destruction of another's goods by any means. Tax evasion is theft.

HIGH CRIMES are punishable by confiscation of goods and by death. Obliteration and banishment may be ordered for multiple or repeat offenders.

KIDNAPPING: taking and constraining a person with unlawful force.

MURDER: taking of another's life, even if a life spell was administered.

NECROMANCY: Casting of a necromantic spell (Any spell with the word Chaos in the incantation.) or ritual, is necromancy, as is the creation or knowing possession of any necromantic item (any item created through necromancy or one that produces a necromantic effect.) or creature, or conspiring with undead.

PRETENDING TO NOBLE TITLE: a commoner who seeks to convince another that he or she has a noble title is guilty of this crime. It is also unlawful to present oneself as a "former" noble. You may not represent yourself to the goblins as a noble.

SLAVERY: forced servitude, the buying or selling of another to enforce servitude. This can be through the use of charm, dominate, enslavement, euphoria, love poisons, as well as by physical or implied threats. No one may own slaves in Ravenholt, monster or not. The possession and use of the elixir commonly known as euphoria is always illegal. Please note that while not always illegal in Ravenholt City, the use of Charm and Dominate are illegal within Dragonshire and other estates within the Duchy.

TREASON: attempting to overthrow the lawful government of the land by means of force or trickery. In matters of high Treason: the attempt to overthrow the Duchy, Principality, or Monarchy, obliteration is mandatory and may be to the final death. Banishment after obliteration is an option.

All citizens and visitors are protected by these laws and required to obey them. Invaders of this land are not protected by our laws. You may not be arrested for committing the following crimes against a monster, invader, or their property: Arson, assault, theft, or murder. However there are certain laws which may never be violated regardless of the intended victim. They are Kidnapping and Necromancy.

Derek Northridge, former magistrate of Ravenholt and former Knight of the Ducal Household has been named as Baron of Westmarch.

In a completely unanticipated action, Count Gaerath of Arkham named Baron Northridge to replace Thomas Pelgar. There has been much speculation as to the reason for the removal.

Thomas Pelgar has been in the service of Westmarch for several years, first joining the court in 590 under the former Baron Aurora Blakeny. In 592, he became Baronial Champion of Westmarch.

Pelgar was a member of the Circle of Companions, named by Duke Ravenhurst to this group to act as judges in matters of High Justice.

Pelgar spent some time in 593 as a Death Knight, after being captured by Murdok in the Northlands. He returned to Ravenholt the night before Duke Ravenhurst was murdered.

There are many that believe that this horrible experience caused him some distress.

Baron Derek Northridge a relative of Baron Vandal Northridge of Westmarch began his career in the "Clan of the Hand," a group of adventurers that included such notables as former Warlord Ru'Tak the Half orc and Andre DeSudbyr, former Baron of Cumberland, Collanis, Mejar, and Barrabas.

Baron Derek then moved into the service of the Ducal Household as a knight. He later gave up the title, and became Lord Magistrate. He has vacated this title with the assumption of his new duties.

Rumors of anger and resentment from the court of Westmarch have been heard, but not confirmed. These rumors are usual when someone outside the court is named to the position of Baron, as has happened several times in the past.

There has been speculation as to the makeup of the new court, and whether or not the existing nobles of Westmarch will retain their titles.

The position of Baron of Capulus is still vacant after the abdication of Vandal Ravensblood. There had been much speculation that Baron Derek might be named to this position. Her Grace Duchess Alexa Holmsong Rhyannan is acting as regent until a new baron is named. With the removal of Baron Derek from the list of eligible candidates, speculation has heated up again as to the likely choice. We will all await eagerly the decision about the leadership of the Barony that has traditionally been the key to the defense of the Duchy.

The infamous Wolfstar has been reportedly active in the area of Lonely, just north of the Mystic Woods.

This criminal was obliterated last fall for Necromancy, kidnapping, slavery, and attempted kidnapping of a noble. It has been unknown until now whether or not he had survived the obliteration.

It should be noted that he has suffered the effect of one obliteration, and is still under sentence to suffer one more. He is therefore considered an enemy to the public welfare, and should be captured and delivered to a noble with jurisdiction on sight.

Wolfstar: Meet me at the Voltan Bear for a drink. I'm buying! ~ Vivian

Catahoula: Are you afraid of love? I am the one who holds the answer to your true happiness. Meet me at 2:00am Sunday morning by the bridge. Come alone, I'm shy.

To Stormwatch: Your interference has cost Nicholae his mortal soul. ~M

Lost: One Cat. Answers to the name "Fluffy the Vampire Slayer." Contact Straken if found.

To Sir Pelgar: We mourn your departure, and thank you for your protection and concern for our welfare.
~ The People of Westmarch

For the first time in recent years there has been a sighting of the Lake Ardynn Serpent. A fishing boat was nearly capsized by something moving "as fast as a bird, but under the water." said Hylie Doughal who survived the heavy wake. "It was HU-U-U-GE!" he laughs, "but we din't feel threatened." The three fishermen all seemed in accordance on the fact that the serpent didn't harm them in any way. "Legend says that seeing the Serpent is lucky," Hylie told our reporter with glee.

This is not the first time the serpent has been spotted, but the first reported sighting was nearly fifty years ago. Prior to that a series of sightings were reported over a span of fifteen years. Accounts have varied , some saying that it is a serpent of some sort, others describing it as being more dragon-like. The very earliest reports of the serpent which predate the creation of the kingdom of Evendarr suggest that it is a legless dragon-ish beast of over fifty feet in length. Those reports mark it as hostile, but after that the serpent is considered lucky and even beneficial. An account from an old fisherman, nearly fifty years old told how the serpent had demolished a band of Lake pirates that had waylaid them. The legends disagree here and there, but the legend is so widely accepted in Voltan society that one knight's coat of arms, seventy years old, has the serpent entwined around a lance.

Nothing about the serpent is certain, except that this latest report has local fishermen excited. Groups of people have accumulated on the shores watching and hoping to be the next person to see it.

"Luck is a hard enough to come by treasure these days," explained Doughal, "I'll take it from anywhere I can get it, even from a legend!"

King Mykel Endarr seems to be comfortably settling into his reign despite the bizarre set of circumstances surrounding his first few days of office. Things have settled neatly into a routine, and he is growing more comfortable with the new time period in which he has been called to be king.

A spokesman for the court told us that the king's overriding concern to date has been familiarizing himself with Evendarr law and history.

"The king is very worried that enemies of the kingdom might try to take advantage of his lack of familiarity with our laws and ways." our source revealed. "He has called some of the greatest scholars in the kingdom to tutor him on important subjects of military advances, legal changes, and even customs and holidays."

Field Marshall Colvendar Riechart is just one of many experts who is spending a little time in the capital. When asked if there were any doubts about the field marshal's loyalty, given his status as brother to Iloni Reichart-Saxony, the traitor who murdered King Richard, our source shook his head vehemently. "The Field Marshal is a man whose duty will not be swayed by family loyalty. He has only left of the search for his sister temporarily, and once he has finished working with His Majesty, he will return to the manhunt. He is as anxious as anyone that Iloni Riechart-Saxony be made to pay for her evil deeds."

Also present in the capital as always, is Ambrosius Huntington. formerly known to us as the Time Elemental, Amber. After turning down the position of Lord Seneschal to the Kingdom, the young-looking mage agreed to take the position of Advisor to the King, and he took a few moments out of his schedule to speak to us.

When asked why he had declined the important court appointment he'd been offered, he grew pensive. "I really don't feel up to performing the duties Seneschal," he admitted. "I may seem young, but I feel all of the two-hundred and thirty years I've lived, and that's a lot for a human to manage. I'm just tired of all the work, frankly. As Advisor, I can more or less say what I like, and not do any other work." he chuckled.

When asked how the King's lessons were coming along, he smiled. "the King is doing very well, thank you. He's already gotten a strong grasp on the way that magic has changed since last he was among us, and he has relearned the verbals completely. He's very eager to make certain that he is all of the King that the people of this kingdom deserve. The land was a long time without a true King and it suffered because of it. He wants to make certain that it doesn't happen again. "

When it was pointed out that the land was going to need an heir to insure that the problems of the last few years would not be repeated, he nodded and replied mysteriously, "The court has no official statement to make at this time on that subject, but we are very much aware of it."

**News Note** Ash Faxton, former Ravenholt Healer has been reported Obliterated by his new guild in Western Avalon for consorting with undead.

PUZZLE!

a puzzle for you adventurers:

You are back in town with the treasure from your recent adventures: A box of gold coins, a box of silver coins, and a box of copper coins. Your two companions are not very trustworthy, however, and you think that they have switched the labels while you weren't looking. In fact you are certain that None of the labels is accurate any more.

One box is labeled "Gold"

One box is labeled "Silver"

One box is labeled "Gold or Silver"

You get first pick..

Which box should you take..?