On Saturday, November 2nd, the game to determine who would fill the seat of Death finally came to an end. The winner was no elemental icon, but rather a young girl of Ravenholt, a healer known as Calico. Her choice to fill the seat was a man of equally humble origins -Cormack O'Neill, called "The Dead" because he was one of the "Unrested"; those who had met thier final death, but still walked the land due to the lack of an Icon of Death.

Calico's sudden acquisition of all five pieces of the much- coveted chair began Saturday evening. Lazarus of Dragonshire, also one of the unrested, brought a man to her who claimed to have information about a piece. He would not say whom he represented, but led her to where the piece lay hidden, guarded by various traps and challenges. With the help of several friends and the technical skills of Merchant the Mystic Wood Elf, Calico was able to retrieve the piece.

Her second piece was given he shortly after her return by an Order elemental representing Theodoric the White. The elemental merely asked that in return for the piece, Calico should consider Cormack for her choice if she won the game; Calico agreed.

Later that same evening, Lazarus brought the young earth caster another woman claiming knowledge of the location of yet another piece. She was apparently a summoned creature of the power of Chaos, but she would not tell who sent her. Calico had barely assembled a group to retrieve the piece, when she felt a strange force pulling her towards the bell in front of the Healer's Guild. This force pushed her into the ground there. Looking up, she saw another piece of the chair hanging under the bell. Calico remarked later,

" It had probably been there since the beginning ..The humanity.."

Once she had collected this third piece, she accompanied the strange woman to go and collect the fourth. They traveled through a rift to the place where the piece was hidden, and guarded by strange creatures. With the help of Ryker, Jordreth, Hidden Claw, Rellik, Silverwing, and Arick, she retrieved this piece as well.

On their way back out, the group suddenly found themselves in a room that they had not seen coming in, where yet another piece lay on a pillar, guarded by four elementals. The Adventurers managed to convince all of the elementals except that of fire to allow them to claim it. the fire elemental demanded that they appoint a champion to fight it in single combat to prove the worthiness of their cause. Jordreth of Capulus volunteered, and quickly dispatched the creature.

Thus Calico gained all five pieces in one single evening. Once she had them, she agonized for some time over the difficult decision of who to choose to fill the seat. In the end she chose Cormack O'Neil.

The next morning, the being known as the Chaos Child, a former contestant in the game, rifted into Ravenholt. In an angry tirade against Calico's choice she claimed that Cormack was too weak to hold the seat, and that it was due to his appointment as the icon of death that crafted items have become far more perishable than they used to be.

Later, Cormack himself returned to Ravenholt in his new aspect as the Icon of Death. He said his farewells to his friends, and allowed Northstar and Lazarus the two remaining unrested to do the same before he collected them at last into the Death that had lain waiting for them for so long. Many tears were shed as they made their farewells, but there were many smiles as well, for these brave souls were leaving in peace, rather than abruptly and violently on the field of battle.

Early this November the elemental being known as Skane who has plagued Ravenholt for years was finally defeated.

Two years ago, Skane was accidentally freed from the Forgotten City. He first appeared merely curious, and not hostile as he visited Ravenholt, but his true intentions were soon revealed as he launched a massive attack upon the town that left the battlefield littered with the dead and dying. Since then he has continually assaulted Ravenholt in his quest for more power over the elements.

At the time of Skane's release, The elemental gems that had once bound him began appearing in Ravenholt. Not realizing their true purpose, Kestryn Ardaen of Anvil began collecting them to decorate her sword. The effect this had upon her weapon soon became apparent, and the sage from the Forgotten City appeared to Kestryn to inform her how to forge a blade that would defeat Skane. He guided her and the many Ravenholt citizens who aided her through a forging process involving a Fire-rock, a unicorn pool, an enchanted anvil, and a set of magical bellows. The sword was transformed into a crystal weapon of elemental magic, and enhanced Kestryn's form with powerful magicks. Since the sword was also linked to Skane through the gems, as he gained control over a new element, and so did Kestryn's sword. Realizing the sword's potential to destroy him, Skane vowed to obliterate Kestryn. His many attempts always ended in failure.

Early afternoon on November 1 596, a mysterious stone-elven appearing woman known only as "The seer" came to Kestryn and told her that Skane was performing a ritual that would give him control over time in addition to the other seven elements already in his control; Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Life, Death, and Reason. Kestryn was able to take eleven companions to join her in stopping Skane. Sir Victdar of Eastwyck, Forestlord Ehawk, Arracor Stormhaven, Calvin Littlefield, Cynesra Arija Nosfer'Vae, Donal McRenn, Gabriel Wolvestride, Johann of Ribe, Nork, Taimar Korugar, and Tristemere Mirabad accompanied Kestryn through the rift that the seer opened, and entered Skane's lair. Traps, puzzles, and Skane's minions did their best to slow the party down, but they persevered and reached Skane at the climax of his ritual.

Powerful manifestations of every element Skane controlled kept the forces of Ravenholt at bay, but Nork bravely charged through them to attempt to reach the ritual caster and disrupt the ritual.

He was felled inches from the circle. With seconds to go on the ritual, Cynesra threw a spell of Cure Mortal Wounds across the battlefield, healing Nork, and allowing him to rise and strike down the ritual caster. The ritual backlash caused Skane to break apart into individual manifestations of the elements that he controlled. Each part fled the battle before he could be destroyed.

At the end of the battle, Kestryn's elemental sword shattered and vanished as the magical entropy finally claimed Ravenholt. It was later learned that Skane had been responsible for speeding the decaying process of enchanted items.

Meanwhile Squire Bailiwick Stormhaven of Eastwyck turned to research to attempt to discover some means of completely destroying Skane. In her readings, she discovered that Skane had attended a college in the Lost City millenia ago, where he had gained a mage name. Later he destroyed the college in vengeance for his teachers having refused him certain knowledge of the planes. The masters of the college had used his Mage Name to strip him of his powers and bind him with the elemental gems.

Squire Bailiwick surmised that the binding would probably include Skane's Mage Name.

Late Saturday night, she assembled a group to travel with her to the Lost City. including Nork, Gabriel, And Drano of Stormwatch, Kestryn and Perdue of Anvil, Kyril of Eastwyck, and Saket of Westmarch. The group passed several tests and discovered Skane's name.

The following morning Ravenholt prepared to do battle with Skane to prevent him from reforming, and regaining his full power.

Even as other bands entered the elemental nexus to close it and save Lady Light, Lord Wrack presented Kestryn with the hilt of her lost elemental blade and instructed her how to re-forge the weapon. He told her that she must thrust the hilt into the nexus as the ritual to summon was performed. He further informed her that she should select one person who would perform this ritual and then remain by her side during the upcoming battle. For this duty, Kestryn chose her friend Cynesra of Stormwatch.

As the elementals began to emerge from the nexus, attacking citizens of Ravenholt with no mercy, Kestryn bravely strode forward and thrust the hilt of her Elemental blade into the swirling maelstrom. Cynesra stood by her side and chanted the words to call forth Skane: "By Thy Mage Name, I Name Thee: Shalaroth! Shalaroth! Shalaroth!" Those close to the pair also heard the challenge Cynesra uttered as she added: "Come and get some!" At the same time, the elemental ward keys were placed against the nexus.

With a roar of rage, Skane merged from the nexus in the form of Fire, accompanied by dozens of powerful fire elementals. Remembering the vicious slaughter of two years ago, the people of Ravenholt refused to accept defeat again and fought with every ounce of skill that they possessed, striking down the elementals and reviving fallen comrades before they could be killed.

Only Kestryn's blade could truly destroy Skane, and the young woman threw herself into battle with Skane with the passionate fury characteristic of the wild elven race. Skane was finally felled, and Kestryn applied the killing strike with her crystal blade.

After a precious few moments of rest and recovery Skane re-emerged from the nexus in a new form: Water. Air and Earth followed as each wave of elementals was defeated and Skane's aspect was dispatched.

Those who entered the nexus began emerging, their tasks complete in time to aid the exhausted defenders of Ravenholt as Skane attacked in his final forms: first Life, then Death. The battles were fierce and for a few moments many found themselves wondering if Ravenholt would survive. With the assistance of Lord Wrack's timely recharge of the spells of a few powerful healers, the people of Ravenholt triumphed over their elemental nemesis. Kestryn dealt Skane's Death form the final blow, and the nexus collapsed in on itself and vanished, Freeing Ravenholt form the plague of elementals-hopefully this time for good.

For reasons that remain unknown, the Icon elemental of Light, known more commonly as "Lady Light" made a wager with the Chessmaster and lost. To hide herself and to prevent the Chessmaster from taking her power, Lady Light split her essence into many pieces and spread them across the land. Unfortunately, she hid herself too well, and was unable to rejoin her scattered essences.

For the past several months, Lord Rack, the Icon elemental of Darkness and husband to Lady Light had been guiding citizens of Ravenholt on quests to retrieve the hidden pieces of Lady Light's essence in the form of Tarot cards. The first card was retrieved by Stack-o-lee MacHine Baljar; the second by his brother Catahoula MacHine Baljar. Duke Andros recovered the third, and Johann of Ribe of Anvil found the fourth. The remaining cards were gathered by groups led by Forestlord Ehawk and Jatrina Sartosa, and included Baron Derek Northridge, Sir Grim Tarmeger, Lord Ferral of Westmarch, Sir Dougan Steelforge of Arkham, Erevan Greysmere, Narik, Ezariah MacHine Baljar, Magenta, and Emerald the Gypsy.

"Ma-ma was important to Duke Andros, Johann and me," Stack stated about Lady Light. "And as Wrack vas closing de nexus, ve tought dat de least ve could do vas to retriewe his wife, neh? Besides, wit all de problems we've had wit Death's seat being empty, who vanted Light to be missing too, eh?" Others involved in the quest also expressed a certain motherly connection to Lady Light.

As Ravenholt battled the elemental forms of Skane, Lord Rack instructed those who bore the Tarot cards to go into the nexus and rebuild Lady Light's form by creating a house out of the cards while fighting elemental manifestations. When Lady Light's champions succeeded in building the house, the creatures vanished and an area of light appeared.

Lord Rack had previously told them that a vessel for Lady Light's body must be chosen, and this vessel had to be a woman with a mind powerful enough to withstand all of the knowledge that would flood it. Understanding the risks, Jatrina volunteered and touched the light. Lady Light entered her mortal form and rifted the party back to Ravenholt. Duke Andros allegedly "resisted" the rift, but what happened to him is uncertain. He has since safely returned, and is rumored to have been "tested" by King Richard I.

Jatrina Sartosa has left Ravenholt to take the seat of the Icon of Light while Lady Light rebuilds her true form, and regains her strength. It is unknown when Jatrina will return.

Early this November , a strange elemental nexus appeared in the middle of Ravenholt. The nexus was a point of collision between Tyrra, and the other world known as Kerath to which some Ravenholt citizens often travel. This nexus comes into existence periodically, at very long intervals as part of the cycle of ages, but normally it is invisible. This time it took physical form and had a great effect on Ravenholt due to the intervention of Lord Wrack, the Icon Elemental of Darkness.

Wrack forced the nexus to appear so that it could be used to save his wife, Lady Light. Knowing that the nexus would have to be dealt with, he approached Sir Victdar of Eastwyck shortly after the nexus' appearance with instructions to gather two large groups that would be rifted to an area where they could gather pure elemental essences. Cynesra of Stormwatch led a group comprised of members of Stormwatch and Eastwyck to sucessfully obtain the essences of Earth, Water, Light, Life, Chaos, and Dream. Arracor Stormhaven of Anvil led Anvil and several other townsfolk to retrieve Air, Fire, Darkness, Death, Order, and Reason. This was not enough however, to close the nexus, which had already begun spreading.

At around the same time, powerful elementals began rifting in and attacking citizens. When the elemental was struck down, glowing pieces of its remains would rift citizens to an area where they could find "elemental ward keys". Throughout the evening, the keys to Air, Earth, Water, Fire, Life, Death, Chaos, and Order were gathered. These too were to be used in closing the nexus once the rescue party to save Lady Light had successfully returned.

The elemental essences and ward keys were collected and distributed by Duchess Alexa Rhyannnon Holmsong and Baroness Ganthe Overwind of Eastwyck. At the same time that the field battle between Skane and the forces of Ravenholt began, The elemental ward keys were placed against the nexus. They were held by Duchess Alexa, Baroness Ganthe, Viscount Daramor, Aubrey Leigh Grey, Dire, Ivanova, Kes of Omega, and Tolaris.

As the battle raged on, Lord Wrack instructed two groups to enter the nexus: those people who bore the Tarot cards of Lady Light, and those who carried the elemental essences. This group led by Gabriel Wolvestride and Nork of Stormwatch, also included Chastity Wolvestride, Delahr Greymist, and Drano Battlehammer of Stormwatch; Kyril of Eastwyck, Alizar of Anvil, Peregrine of the Ducal Household, Tristemere Mirabad of the Mage's Guild, Kendrick of the Healer's Guild, and Kestrel and Nomad. the voice of Lord Wrack guided the adventurers and told them to place the essences into enchanted pedestals, but to hold off on placing the final essence, Life, until those attempting to free Lady Light had succeeded. The group fought off powerful elemental manifestations as they waited. When Lord Wrack's voice finally bade them finish, Gabriel Wolvestride placed the essence of Life and the group returned to Ravenholt. The nexus was sealed, and the barrier between the planes of Tyrra and Kerath was restored.

This October several prominent Ravenholt citizens were drawn unwillingly into a conflict between the Hero's Graveyard and the Graveyard of the Four Winds . Apparently a balance between the two Graveyards had been upset, and to restore it, the two graveyards had to contest for dominance through the living people of Ravenholt.

The first to be recruited by the Graveyards were members of the Court of Eastwyck, and some of the Baljar Gypsies. They were attempting to free the spirits off Cecil Eastwyck's family, and the spirit of a barbarian called Grey Whisper from the Graveyard of the Four Winds gave them some stones that he claimed would aid them in their quest. When they accepted these stones, they became connected with the Graveyard of the Four Winds.

Shortly afterwards townsfolk who had pre-existing connections to members of the Hero's Graveyard fell under its influence. Those marked by opposite graveyards found it very uncomfortable to be in each others presence, and even felt hostile to one another. Members of Stormwatch were drawn in upon agreeing to help on the side of the heroes when the spirit of Laertes D'Sudbyr asked them to. Unfortunately, they had no idea that they would be compelled against their friends until it was too late.

Both sides were influenced by the graveyards to recruit more people to join the conflict. In the end there were twelve people on each side. those bound to the Hero's Graveyard were Taylynd Voltan, Tristemere Mirabad, Garth of Anvil, Nork, Gabriel, Cynesra, And Delahr of Stormwatch, Squire Kano of Eastwyck, Narik of Westmarch, Shatter of the Ducal Household, Sir Dougan of Arkham and Thrakkash Mirabad.

Those marked by the Graveyard of the Four Winds, were Baroness Ganthe Squire Bailiwick Stormhaven, Squire Mastorium, Tatania, Kyril, and Malace of Eastwyck, Jatrina Sartosa, Catahoula, Stack-o-lee, Lord Magistrate Ezariah and Peyo of the Baljar gypsies, and Taimar of Anvil.

The battle was to take place on the night of Sunday October 13th presided over by spirits from both graveyards. Cynesra of Stormwatch commented angrily to the Raven's Herald that "If the Hero's Graveyard fights its battles by manipulating the free will of the citizens of Tyrra, then it is just as evil as the Graveyard of the Four Winds." Catahoula MacHine said," Both wanted us to fight, and both had dealt with us treacherously. I am happy to have disappointed them both. I spit upon both. I curse both. "

When the conflict had begun, concerned friends discovered that the balance between the Graveyards could still be restored without a battle if every one of those marked by the graveyards refused the influence upon them. Through intermediaries, the two groups arranged to get together in pairs and reject the claim that the Graveyards had upon them. Once every pair had released themselves, the conflict was ended and the balance was restored without bloodshed.

Thorgrim, a very ancient elf who was once King Elenaro's personal weapons trainer, is now believed to have suffered his final death at the hands of a strange new menace. Thorgrim was a very skilled fighter and a friend to many Ravenholt citizens. He was perhaps best known as the teacher of Arracor Stormhaven, the leader of Anvil in the art of fighting with two blades.

A group of warriors known as Anvil was just completing an initiation ceremony for new members in the woods at the edge of town, by the lake, when they saw a strange light through the trees. Upon investigation, they discovered that the light was shining upon the lake water, which was behaving rather oddly. When Forestlord Ehawk reached a hand out over the water, an arm emerged from the lake, and grabbed his. The startled Wild Elf pulled forth a shocky and extremely aged elf from the water. The elf, whose name was Arcus, exhaustedly told Anvil that Thorgrim was fighting for his life on the other side of the strange gate formed by the water, and that he needed help. He was unable to give details due to the extremely poor condition he was in, but he did divulge that something had aged him unnaturally while he fought by Thorgrim's side. When asked about what Thorgrim fought, Arcus could only babble about, "Haunts."

Upon entering the water, the members of Anvil found themselves in strange misty corridors where a twisted voice mocked them, and they fought waves of undead. At times, members of the group would vanish into the mists with no warning, where they apparently faced some of their greatest regrets. They were able to find no trace of Thorgrim save for an apparently ancient elven skull which they recovered and brought back for respectful burial.

They were able to learn from Arcus that Thorgrim had gone to fight these haunts with his elite group of warriors of good known as the Bladesworn. Something terrible happened in the battle however and of the entire group only Arcus was able to escape alive. It is unknown whether Thorgrim and the Bladesworn all suffered their final deaths, or whether something more sinister has happened to them. Little is known of the haunts either, save that they are dangerous and apparently prey upon or exploit negative emotions.

Just after dark on Saturday November 2, a continent of Dark Elves showed up in Ravenholt . They searched through town, stopping at both the Mage's and Healer's guilds. There was a momentary disturbance at the Healer's guild as one of Ravenholt's newer citizens inadvertently insulted the visiting party by calling them Drae. Hostilities were averted by the timely interception of Kendrick of the Healer's Guild and one of the citizen's friends who offered apologies at the unintended slur. The group proceeded directly to the Ducal Household, requesting audience with Duke Andros.

The Dark Elves identified themselves as a contingent of Clan Ruinvorn, and the party was headed by Durchasi Ruinvorn, former Baroness of Elfheim and former Chaos Elemental. The rest of the party consisted of Tairatama Kajikkyu, Celestial Scholar; Gin'tsuki Ruinvorn, Political Advisor to House Ruinvorn; Nekokuroi, House Guard and tracker; Ryudaira, Celestial Templar; and Lord Knight Jorushiwa Ryuisiel of House Ryuisiel, Captain of the Ryuisiel Gate Guard. They explained their mission to the Duke and his Court.

They were pursuing a known thief and alleged spy for the Sessuar, who was himself a Dark Elf, believed to have turned traitor. He had apparently stolen a priceless artifact of incredible power from the Dark Elven College of Celestial Magic, Kujitsu Shinsa, as well as a bag of gems and money from House Ruinvorn. During his escape, three of the border guards were cut down, and at least one of them suffered a final death as a result.

The Artifact, called the Staff of Kinyoka, was reputed to have the effect of causing a fatal rotting sickness in anyone who touched it or even possibly who got close to it.

Duke Andros explained that they had indeed seen the thief ,who had the audacity to deceive his way into the Duke's own household.

Reportedly, the Duke's Court had been concerned over his condition as he was already showing signs of the sickness. With the same courtesy that has characterized all of Duke Andros' dealings with the Dark Elven people over the years, he tried to have the man healed, unsuccessfully. He gave the man overnight accommodations at Blackpool, and gave him a horse to continue his journey, not knowing the thief's true purpose .

When the Ruinvorn party arrived and explained the situation, the Duke organized members of his own household, led by Sir Grim, to track down and apprehend the thief. Within the hour, the group had found the thief, and the Staff, and took him into custody for questioning. The dangerous artifact, and the money were confiscated by the Ruinvorn party

Despite intense questioning from the Ducal Household and the Ruinvorn contingent, the thief maintained that he wanted to present his case directly to Duke Andros, who holds the title of Roshukotoban, High Lord Knight, in Elfheim. Duke Andros granted this request, and the prisoner was taken before him. The prisoner who identified himself as Hochaon Kariwa Maikuramu, Political Advisor of Clan Kodaifuhachi, presented the following story to Duke Andros.

The Sessuar, in their battles in Elfheim had apparently taken his older sister, Head of House Maikuramu hostage in return for his service. She was not permitted any opportunity to take her own life in ritual seppuku, and therefore could not even enact an honorable death. Hochaon's House was dishonored until she could be recovered or allowed to die. The Sessuar had demanded that he steal the staff and turn it over to them as the price for his sister. Hochaon confessed that he fully expected to recover her, and then commit suicide himself to cleanse the dishonor that he was forced into,

After listening to Hochaon's story, and consulting with the Ruinvorn contingent, Andros concluded that the foremost and primary concern was the recovery of Hochaon's sister, and the return of the artifact to Elfheim. Hochaon requested permission to recover his own honor by committing seppuku at Andros' feet, resurrecting and then continuing to pursue his sister, but this was denied.

He was told that his sister was priority, and only after paying for his crimes would he be allowed that honor. The Ruinvorn party concurred.

The entire group with a continent of Andros' men, was sent to Blackpool where Andros had craftsmen create a physical duplicate of the Staff of Kinyoka. The group then split into two parties. the first group, consisting of Lord Knight Jorushiwa, and Gin'tsuki Ruinvorn would return the staff directly to Elfheim. A contingent of Andros' men went with them as escort and guard to the Elfheim border.

The second group consisting of Durchasi Ruinvorn, and the rest of the Ruinvorn party and Hochaon Mikurami would be escorted by Andros' men to the borders of Rotaria. There they will seek out the Sessuar invaders and attempt to trade the staff replica for Hochaon's sister.

Once this attempt has been made, it is reported that Hochaon 's sentence from Duke Andros will be carried out. He is to be executed for his crimes, which are listed as treason, betrayal, theft, and murder. If he resurrects form this execution, he will be allowed to commit seppuku toward the restoration of his personal honor. The restoration of his honor to his house and clan are up to his house and clan respectively.

The mystery of how one thief/assassin managed to steal the artifact from the Mage's College, and single handedly escape the borders of Elfheim is still just that, a mystery, although it is being investigated.

On this the first day of the ninth month of the year 596 do I Gareth Gaelschin, Count of Arkham wish to announce the elevation of Archwizard Dougan Steelforge, Squire Wyatt Erastus, and Squire Eathen Heartshorn to the rank and title of Knight. Gentle citizens, pray heed them, as they now speak with my words and will in all my lands.

To The Citizens of Ravenholt.
We are proud to announce the reopening of the weapons and armor guild. Once the effects of the magical destruction are understood, we will be ready to open. If there are any questions feel free to contact Peregrine of the Ducal Household, Ioz of the Court of Capulus, or Brandel of Anvil.'

I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart, those friends and companions of mine who recently rescued me from my long imprisonment. Most especially I would like to thank the eight friends who slipped into the enemy camp through a most dangerous passage, and ensured that my captors were unable to slay either myself or any of the other captives, many of them children. Their names: Count Gaereth and Sir Dougan of Arkham, Sir Grim and Shatter of the Ducal Household, Seneschal Serrak of Dragonshire, Cynesra, Nork, and Delahr of Stormwatch.

To the People of Ravenholt:
My sincerest thanks and appreciation is extended to you and yours for the recovery of she that is dearest to my heart. Though I am sure my words mean a great deal to you, you will be seeing my thanks take form in the future.
Oh, and thanks, Narik..
Rack, Lord of Shadows
Keeper of Darkness

Harbinger, I do apologize for the loss of Chronos. Please understand that I took no pleasure in my first noble execution, but he had broken Ravenholt law, and attacked citizens and nobles. Your anger at his destruction is understandable, and I don't blame you for threatening me. As a sign of good faith and future peace, please come or send a representative with a white flag to Blackpool to pick up the body of Turbo. I'll be waiting for your word.
Sir Dougan of Arkham

Lost: Small, black leather scroll case. Please return to Dragonshire, if found.

The Raven's Herald would like to apologize to Sir Dougan Steelforge of Arkham for the gross misspelling of his name in the last issue, and also to Sir Wyatt Erastus, and Sir Eathen Heartshorn for ignorance of their names. The mistake will not be repeated.

Cole & Sabrina- Congratulations on FINALLY getting married. -Harry.

To all who helped me create the crystal sword and defeat Skane, my most profound thanks. I would especially like to thank those who came with me to disrupt Skane's ritual that night, and those who came to disrupt another ritual a month or two ago. I would not be alive today if it were not for your skill and friendship.
Kestryn Ardaen.

Cynesra-You are amazing! It was an honor to fight by your side.- Kestryn

The Raven's Herald Congratulates Sabrina of Wanderlust, and Cole Ohmsford of the Thoria Gypsies and Wanderlust on their wedding-September 2nd 596.

All of Tyrra seems a little colder today as we all mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man. We should not be saddened by his passing however, for if we are indeed judged by our deeds in life then he shall be forever immortalized. A founding member of the group known as Vanguard, personal herald to Princess Andrea Huntington, and a member of the order of Locar. All this he has done while successfully dodging nine offers of noble title. For despite his "commoner" heritage, he was still "noble" enough to sacrifice a piece of his spirit so that the Liche Sakalid could be defeated, and he has personally crossed swords with just about every evil being and tyrant that has threatened his beloved home of Ravenholt. Northstar has always put the welfare of others before his own, (especially the ladies) and has always in his own words,

" fought the good fight." He is in every sense of the word, a hero... May the wind be fair, and ever at your back. Fare-thee-well, my friend, You will be missed.
-Delahr of Stormwatch.

The weather has suited my mood as we bear the body of my friend Northstar of Vanguard south to Sercia in Capulus where he is to receive proper burial . Cold and foreboding with a hint of rain.

Upon crossing the Capulan border we met with Squire Darius Steele and Captain Valinger Stormcrow, the captain leading an honor guard escort. I don't think that I have ever traveled with a finer group. Her Grace, Duchess Alexa is here along with many others. Some I know well, and others not at all. Gabriel, Nork, Cynesra, Johann of Ribe, Titania, Kestryn, Chimera, Calico, Dame Kytril Zosyn, Kendrick, Sir Dougan, and Thorge Cyclos are here, to name a few. I find little comfort in their companionship. I have no wish for company. I have a sad duty to attend to.

I stand here with people I have fought and bled with, while a lonely cadence heralds the arrival of Northstar's body. Directly behind me is Northstar's ship, " the Stormwatch." It waits silently, to bear the body of its captain out to sea. Nearby, three Capulan war ships are prepared to escort us. The ceremony began with the Duchess saying a few words while his body was brought aboard, followed by many others that spoke of his love for life, and the joy that he has brought to so many people. I see only death, and my tears are lost in the black smudges beneath my eyes. It is time for us to shove off.

The Stormwatch glides swiftly and gracefully over the water, reminding me that the ship has indeed taken on the characteristics of its late captain. Just before sunset, the body of my late friend was placed inside a skiff. Trinkets and other items of personal interest adorn him, including a Stormwatch sash that Cynesra tied around his waist just before he died. He had so many friends; I am honored to be counted among them. As the sun is setting, the skiff is lowered to his mistress, the sea. I myself light the torch that will make his funeral complete. I stare as the small craft makes its way into the setting sun, flames now beginning to lick at its sides, eager to consume my friend's remains. -but no fire can ever cleanse the memory of such a man, and he will live forever in my heart and mind as well as those of others. Darkness has fallen, broken only by the light of a small fire on the horizon which finally sputters and dies. I clench my fists in anger and despair, and again the tears stream down my cheek. I swear here and now to see an end to every murdering bastard of a Sessuar that is unfortunate enough to cross my path. As I open my reddened eyes, my attention is caught by a glimmer of light, a point in the blackness above. A lone sparkle that will forever be a symbol of my friend. the North Star.

The allies and friends of Volta gathered in Axelburg, Volta on Friday October 11th in answer to Duke Adrick Voltan's call to arms, to take their places in the ranks of armies poised to invade Niman. Nearly two hundred and fifty gathered in the town itself, which was all but deserted by its native inhabitants.

They gathered at an old ruin, where Prince Kevynn Blackfox expressed deep sympathy for Duke Adrick's loss of his son and grandson, who were believed to have been obliterated by Nimani.

Prince Kevynn counseled a full valuation before plunging the North into civil war, saying that there were certain peculiarities that warranted investigation. This observation was echoed by a representative of Princess Lillian Rotari, Liege of Niman. His Royal Majesty Aran Elenaro Ar-Din of Quentari arrived at the meeting through a magical rift. He said that his people would stay their hands before taking up arms against a realm with whom they had shared nearly six centuries of peace, until their Aran spoke his final word on the subject.

On the other hand, Grand Matriarch Shusthar Asmara of the Durquai Sarr, the General of the Army of Myrr, came forth with outraged accounts of attacks on her people by Nimani, including the poisoning of many wells in Myrr. Lord Gilean Aelfyre Kinbote Embassador Extraordinary for Niman pleade his Lord's case to the assembly, declaring that Niman was innocent of the charges. The Voltan Duke rejected these claims, and tensions were at a fever pitch.

Suddenly a Fiend exploded out of the ruins, calling himself "Lord Artoth," and vowing destruction upon the throng in the name of the Duke of Niman. Rifts opened around the crowd, and out of them poured a mass of powerful undead. Lord Gilean cried out:

"Its' a lie!!" A fierce battle ensued, and the town's defenders were victorious.

A war council was held afterwards, at which, Prince Morlith Ar-Din, the younger of King Elenaro's twin sons argues passionately for an immediate attack upon Niman. Duke Adrick also continued to urge war, but after Field Marshall Reichart declared that he too supported further investigation, His Grace was finally persuaded to wait for more information. Duke Andros volunteered to take his Skyeguard on border patrol to capture any Nimani he could find, and the meeting ended with the participants vowing to find out all they could.

All through the night, the attacks from the Undead continued, yet few clues could be discovered. To add to the mystery, a battled scarred elven templar called Vanira appeared. Once known as Dame Vanira Niloriel of Quentari, she had been one of King Elenaro's closest friends, and a trusted knight, but King Elenaro had thought her dead for many centuries.

The following day Duke Andros reported that the "Nimani" soldiers his patrol had encountered were actually mercenaries, not the forces of Duke Vordan Nicadaemus. They wore what appeared to be Nimani tabards, but the weapons they carried were from many different sources, and were not standard Nimani issue.

Other searchers, led by Sir Dragnar of Hadran, and Dame Lilith of Capulus accompanied Lord Gilean to the lair of the mercenaries who masqueraded as Nimani. There they found several orphaned children who were paced temporarily in the care of concerned folk in town, and a letter that implicated the Axelburg town healer, Loris, in the conspiracy to foment war. Loris was a lifelong friend of Mayor Garron Woodbridge of Axelburg, who also fell under suspicion.

By evening most observers had reluctantly concluded that Niman and its Duke had indeed been the victims of a clumsy but deadly plot. But there were many that agreed with Prince Morlith that it was Niman’s past transgressions that made it easy to conclude that they were guilty, and that they still deserved a punitive action. Nevertheless, cooler heads prevailed among the leaders as the focus of the investigation began to turn to a powerful figure from the far past known as "Tarlov of the Ghost-Hand". Little was known of him except that King Elenaro's father had placed him into a magical prison a thousand years ago. If the conspiracy were indeed Tarlov's work, then he may have somehow freed himself.

That evening, Duke Adrick presided over a feast honoring his noble guests. To everyone's surprise, Duke Vordan Nicadaemus himself arrived under safe conduct, and declaring his wish to participate in the investigation. Mayor Garron Woodbridge later approached and on his knees, admitted that he was responsible for the final deaths of Sir Arkon and little Andrei; he was taken away, though Loris the Healer disappeared during the feast.

Great confusion erupted in the feasting hall as one of King Elenaro's own personal guards spoke Arcane words and the King disappeared. Holding the Amulet of Elenaro, the guard quickly assumed a gaseous form, and floated through the ceiling. King Elenaro of Quentari had been abducted! The entire town was roused into action, as a great search began.

At midnight the search ended. A number of individuals had been invited to a great gathering of the servants of Chaos and Evil. Reportedly there were spies lurking in the cavern complex where it took place. These hidden observers reported that when Tarlov held up the fabled amulet it became clear that he now held as his prisoner, the son of the elven king who had Bound him a millennium ago and was draining King Elenaro's arcane power to revitalize his own.

Those gathered in Axelburg learned that the minions of Tarlov possessed certain tokens which enabled them to pass through the magical barrier which guarded his inner sanctum. A search was begun to obtain them, since they could be used to access Tarlov's lair. Many battles were fought with the undead who carried them. Unfortunately, several prominent individuals were captured by the enemy in the process, among them, Baron Darren Fendahl of Anym, who had returned to Axelburg from border patrol, Sir Dragnar of Hadran, Sir Ari, Squire Darius Steel, and Marsten of Capulus, and "Cap" of the Healer's Guild.

In the meantime, Dame Merry MacGregor performed a Spirit Farewell Ritual upon Sir Arkon, Duke Adrick's son. Sir Arkon's tormented spirit told a harrowing tale of being captured by minions of Tarlov. He and his son had been brought before the GhostHand, who tortured and wrenched their spirits. Later they were left for dead, found and brought to Mayor Woodbridge, who immediately sent for Loris, the Healer. She told the mayor that she might be able to save them, but instead tore their spirits from their bodies in Obliteration. Later that weekend it was discovered that Thorna Alinger had abducted Loris under instructions from Tarlov, and had taken her place in time to Obliterate Sir Arkon and young Andrei Voltan.

The great rescue of King Elenaro commenced shortly after nightfall. The magical portal to his lair had been discovered just outside of town, but there were hordes of undead guarding it, led by Artoth. As the battle commenced those charged with retrieving the King entered the portal. They were led by Duke Andros of Ravenholt, the Grandson of the elven king, and among their numbers were: Baron Tristan Greycloak of Blythedale, Sir Algar Winterwind, the Lords Aloryn Runeweaver and Agnar,also of Ashbury, and Natasha Ioki, Guildmistress of Healer's for that Duchy. From Ravenholt there were; Forestlord Ehawk, Shatter and Leviathan of the Ducal Court, Random and Tristemere of the Mage's Guild, Donal of Anvil, Cynesra and Nork of Stormwatch, and Sir Togan of Dragonshire. and Lunasiria Saleros for Quentari. There were two others who number among the heroes, and a diligent search is underway to determine their identities.

Outside the caves, the battle continued as undead hordes rushed the gates. If the people had not fought so bravely, those who had entered Tarlov's lair would have been cut off from their escape route.

Inside they found their captured companions turned into death knights. The captives were defeated and rescued. They then entered the Chamber of the Ghost- Hand, where they looked upon the bound and bloodied form of King Elenaro. Standing over him inside a great circle of power was his adversary, Tarlov. With but moments to spare, the elven king was set free. His eldritch bonds were shattered, and he was taken to safety. Then Nork of Stormwatch stepped forward and gave challenge to Tarlov, calling him a coward, and hoping to distract him from the others' efforts. Tarlov, still declaiming his might and evil genius, recognized Nork into the circle, and with a flash, the two disappeared.

Later, Nork was among those who resurrected, having died a heroes' death so that his companions might complete their rescue.

Later that day, solemn farewells were spoken as allies departed Axelburg for their homelands. King Elenaro was reconciled with his former knight, Vanira who knelt in respect to her former liege for the first time in four centuries. Duke Andros escorted his grandfather to the flight of Gryphons that would bear the Aran home to his people.

Letter to the Citizens of Ravenholt: It is with great sadness that I tender my resignation as a guild member of the Low town Ravenholt Healer's Guild. Events of October 12th have caused me to reconsider my stay in Ravenholt, and to return to Thalassia, my homeland.

I was unjustly executed for trying to safeguard 5 children from danger. There was believed to be a higher ranking person in town who was seeking them, and would cause them great harm. A noble whom I hardly knew, requested information and entrance to see the children. When I refused, she was greatly offended. At the time, I trusted no one with the information save those few involved directly. I mistakenly thought that the request to watch over the children came directly from Prince Kevynn, and when asked, on whose authority I was acting, replied the same. Alas, with the orders not being directly from Prince Kevynn, I was accused of using a noble's word without consent. My punishment was a public execution.

The sentence of death was arrived at solely on the noble's testimony, with little or no regard for my own testimony. In fact I was never officially questioned about my actions.

If the nobility of this realm wish to get more respect from the common folk then they must act justly in all of their actions. In closing, I wish to thank all the commoners of Ravenholt and those few nobles for the respect and honor that they have given me during my stay here. I have been unable to reconcile the difference between my culture and that of Ravenholt. Until such time as I can, I wish you all farewell.
            ~Gwyneth Whitefeather

Consider this...

Recent events have caused me to reflect upon my position within the city of Ravenholt. Perhaps we all should take such looks at ourselves more often.

Early in October, we all received a call for help from our Voltan neighbors. Many citizens of Ravenholt responded. Among them were some seven members of the Ravenholt Healer's Guild. We attempted to establish a new guild hall in Volta. In the process, eight people were invested within the two new circles. Of those eight, four were nobles or held positions of authority. Over the course of the 3 days which I was present at the Guildhall, only one of the nobles mad any attempt to staff the guild. I wish to thank Squire Random for his efforts and his participation in the running of the guildhall. Apparently the other nobles simply wanted to be invested for their own reasons. Very little service was performed by any of them, save coming in to use the circles for their own needs.

It is becoming increasingly evident to me that there is a disturbing lack of consideration for those people who give to the general public. Guilds do not exist simply to convenience those who are in charge. They exist to serve a greater good, and all too often are overlooked when the dust has settled. Too many people, noble and commoner alike are quick to criticize our failings. But these same individuals will not praise our work when your battered bodies or broken spirits enter our home seeking help. We will always do our best for you, do you always do your best for us?

We of the Healer's and Mage's Guilds will always answer your calls. In Volta, we tried our best to answer a call. We paid in blood. Unfortunately, the blood is on an Evendarrian blade, not on the blade of our enemy.
        ~Kendrick Von Brumbach
        Guildmaster,Ravenholt Healer's Guild

An anonymous source recently delivered a written account to the Raven's Herald offices of strange activity in Niman. While the allies of Volta, including many Ravenholt citizens were gathered at Axelburg this October, a small band traveled deep into the Nimani borderlands and encountered some unusual things there.

First, in a number of the fields they saw undead tilling and harvesting the crops. When the band cut down the undead, they only rose again to continue their labor. There seemed to be no means of destroying them permanently.

The adventurers continued on, unnerved, and came face-to-face with a very powerful vampire calling himself Lord Antonio. The group had insufficient force to attack the undead creature, partly due to hostages that the vampire held. The Raven's Herald source assures us that "Vows of destruction were however heard to be exchanged as they traveled onward.

After passing through more fields tended by the unliving, the band found a powerful death knight and death lord which they destroyed. The two undead were apparently the minions of another vampire, one greatly at odds with Lord Antonio. The letter describing these events concludes with these words: The question arises as to the vigilance of the Duke of Niman, Vordan Nicadaemus and more precisely, that of his knights. Why had not the undead been sought out for destruction before? It seems that the townsfolk had known about them for some time. An eye is upon you, Nimani. Clean up your house before you lose it."

Gwyneth Whitefeather, former Guildmistress of Healers for the Duchy of Ravenholt, was executed in Axelburg on Sunday, October 13th 596, under the direct order of His Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox, Prince of the Heart, and of Northmarch. The sentence was carried out by Sir Gaereth Gaelschin, Count of Arkham, in Ravenholt.

According to a spokesperson for the Principality of Northmarch, the Prince's Justice descended upon Mistress Gwyneth for refusing to obey a direct order from His Highness, and for repeatedly failing to show proper respect to the nobility of the realm. The Royal command had been issued to her by the Prince's personal Battle healer, Dame Kytril Zosyn of Northmarch.

The tragic incident began on Saturday, after a group of orphaned children were rescued from a mercenaries' lair by adventurers that included Sir Dragnar of Hadran, Dame Lilith of Capulus, Squire Darius of Capulus, Ryker of Dragonshire, and Nomad. Led by Quilt, the personal slave of Lord Gilean Kinbote of Jennith, they retrieved the orphans and brought them back to town, where they received shelter and care in the Dragonshire lodgings. Concerned that the orphans might still be targets in some evil scheme, His Highness told the rescuers to keep them under tight security.

Later that day, His Highness ordered Dame Kytril to check on the orphans' welfare, and she was escorted to their sanctuary by Count Gaereth and his guards. Instead of obeying her liege's command, however, Mistress Gwyneth refused admittance to the Northmarch Noble, claiming that her orders came directly from the Prince himself. Consultation with Dame Lilith confirmed the fact that the former Guild mistress had not been present to receive any direct communication from His Highness. "In any case," said the spokesperson, "Gwyneth's duty was to obey Dame Kytril's command, since both had been invested in the Healer's Circle, and there was no question of mistaken or incomplete knowledge of her identity or position. "

The following morning, Prince Kevynn's Judgment was pronounced, and the grim duty discharged. After successfully resurrecting , Mistress Gwyneth departed Axelburg in the company of the remaining personnel of the Healer's Guild.

"For this breach of duty, and for her previous actions against even King Mykel himself, his Highness felt that he had no other choice. " the spokesperson concluded. "The Prince deeply regrets that this lesson ever needed to be set forth, and he trusts that it will never be repeated."

The Volta/Highlander conflict has ended, after many years, not with a climactic battle, but with words of peace and compromise. Duke Adrick Voltan in his mercy and wisdom has agreed to begin negotiations with the Highlanders for an Ancestral Homeland Rights Treaty. At the same time, Duke Adrick has made mysterious references to a second Ancestral Homeland Treaty for an "older people". While the Duke seemed reluctant to comment on this second people, our sharp eyed reporter spotted a strange creature entering the Highlanders' Chambers in Axelburg in the company of the Highlanders some fifteen minutes before the Duke entered to do some negotiating. A creature with horns like a mystic wood elf, round ears like a human, and hairy legs ending in cloven hooves like a goat.

"They're called the Paetwyr," said one Matthias MacRae of Dinsdale. "It seems from what I have heard from some of the other Highlanders, that they lived in Dinsdale before our people, and that the Highlanders, our ancestors, stole their land from them. They met one of them, a fellow called Scorn, who told them that in order to atone for what the old Highlanders did, they had to find a song that was not a song. From what I understand, they must've done so.."

The Highlanders had approached Duke Adrick to discuss the possibility of the Ancestral Homelands Treaty and apparently, had been charged with uncovering details about the murder of Duke Argent Voltan, Adrick's father. How this led to the discovery of the mysterious "song" is as yet unclear, but we will continue to try and ferret out the facts.

In the turbulent times of early October, a large number of Gypsies from around the Kingdom converged on the town of Axelburg for a traditional gypsy way meet. Axelburg, which the gypsies call Vedro Nevasis is a long standing meeting place for the Romani people. It was founded by the Banotery family some hundred years ago, and has been a favorite stopover point ever since.

Many tribes were represented in this way meet: the Lunarii of Volta, the Blackstars of Thalassia, the Baljars of Ravenholt, the Kaners of Elysia, and many others, primarily from Ashbury and Blackstone. The Banoteristi were notably absent, however, as their people seemed to take the brunt of the alleged slave-raiding attacks over the Nimani border.

the inn which housed the Baljars along with the Ravenholt Baronial Courts of Eastwyck and Capulus was a frequent drop in point for many gypsies. The customs of the way meet, however, seemed hidden from outsiders. when asked what sort of things the Romani discuss, Catahoula MacHine Baljar replied," Gypsy business is gypsy business. It is not for the ears of the Gaje. the Gypsies know what was done."

This answer seemed to open a spring of words in the large gypsy, who continued, "Let me say this, however. In Vedro Nevasis, my family grew.. We grew in number, and we grew in closeness. The old came back, as Thorn Baljar himself, from whom we took the Tribal name, returned to us. The new came to us , in our new sister Isabelle, Didikai joined our family in the person of Jatrina of the Order of the Belladonna."